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Novaya Gazeta, April 28, 2003

Who Will Back the Vote of No Confidence in the Government?
This is the most interesting question now that Yabloko has raised it.

By Boris Vishnevsky

The Bureau of the Federal Council of Yabloko has instructed the Duma faction to initiate in the lower house of the parliament the constitutional procedure for organizing a vote of no confidence in the government. Yabloko has assumed this hard-line attitude in response to the government’s inability to address the pressing problems facing the country.

When the cabinet was formed three years ago, many people believed that the new bright and energetic president had brought in a like-minded government that differed strikingly from the previous one. It is clear now that the government has not lived up to the people’s expectations.

"A critical mass of gross errors has been reached," notes Grigory Yavlinsky: "Now and then the government does make the correct decisions but it never tackles any long-term issues. It has pushed through parliament decisions that are destructive for most Russians, decisions that will lead to profound destabilization. I am referring to the import of nuclear waste, venal reforms of electricity and the utilities sector that will speed up tariff growth for the general public, to the sharp cut in wage guarantees for budget-sector employees, per-minute payment of telephone calls, etc. It had turned away from bona fide military reforms and lobbies the interests of the largest monopolies. It openly supports the election campaign of the party, whose leadership includes key ministers. At the same time, it cannot ensure the security of its citizens or curb crime. It pins the blame for contract killings on the dead or the defenceless. A timely replacement of the government will make it possible to avert a crisis..."

We will soon find out whether some political parties that boldly castigate the government now are so principled when it comes to a vote in the State Duma. As in the well-known joke, they have their own opinion on this issue, but categorically refuse to share it with the rest of us.

It is clear that the President will take the final decision on the government’s fate. Unlike his predecessor, it cannot be claimed that President Vladimir Putin doesn’t know about the activity of the government. Under the first scenario the government has the President's blessing. Under the second scenario the President is dissatisfied with the government but is unable to force the government to act differently. Under the third scenario, the President is dissatisfied but does not want to act, as he does not see any public discontent with the government.

Scenario number three is ruled out now. It is hard to comment today on the likelihood of the government’s resignation. However, if it does resign, Sergei Mitrokhin, Yabloko Deputy Chairman, says that his party "is ready to participate in work on the programme of the future government and its practical implementation."

 

Novaya Gazeta, April 28, 2003

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