| 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."
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