The leader of the YABLOKO faction in the State Duma Grigory Yavlinsky is not surprised by the results of the first round of the presidential elections in France. According to Yavlinsky, such developments should have been foreseen, as there were very clear signs of the factors affecting the results of the elections.

Yavlinsky thinks that such factors included: "the absolute helplessness and inefficiency of the bureaucracy that has played a leading role in the organisation of state power in France," as well as the passive attitude of the citizens, unstable economic situation in the country and the "trends towards xenophobia and increased opposition to all people that are different, to all newcomers."

Many of these factors can also be seen in Russia and this has assumed increasing proportions recently, added Yavlinsky on Monday, April 22, 2002 in an interview to the Ekho Moskvi radio station. However, France will resolve this situation, whereas in Russia everything "will be more complicated", he added.

Thus, the results of the first round of presidential elections in France provide "an important lesson for Russia as well," stressed Yavlinsky. According to Yavlinsky: "this should set off the alarm bells" for Russia.

The leader of the YABLOKO faction is however certain that the present President Jacques Chirac will win the second round of the elections.

Based on Interfax reports.