| Experts think that one of the influential groups
is making attempts to stop liberal modernization based on private business
On July 10, political scientists met for an extraordinary session of
the Open Forum Club. They reached the conclusion that the scandal connected
with discrediting Yukos was targeted against President Vladimir Putin,
and not the Russian oligarchs. President of the Institute for Strategic
Estimates and Analysis Alexander Konovalov says that "a plot against
the president" arose not without reason. First of all, Vladimir Putin
openly said he wouldn't run for the presidential post for a third term.
Second, it is perfectly obvious now that he wouldn't side with any of
the parties. The main objective of the "plotters" is to make
the president opt for one side. Alexander Konovalov supposes that only
the president can put an end to the disorder in the country.
President of the Expertise Foundation Mark Urnov agrees that it is a
severe blow aimed at the president. The expert thinks that one of the
influential groups is trying to stop liberal modernization based on private
business; in exchange it wants to offer a new model supposing that the
role of government will be stronger. It is not accidental, he adds, that
the Yukos-related scandal is developing at this very time. As was expected,
Russia was to be flooded with foreign investments soon which would have
rendered realization of this plot problematic. It is not accidental that
particular attention was focused on Yukos. It is one of the first Russian
companies to start working in accordance with the international standards.
Anatoly Golov, Director
of the Social Policy Institute thinks the Yukos-related scandal is an
obvious political case. The expert says the closure of the TVS television;
the arrest of werewolf police officers and unexpected claims raised against
the largest Russian company were initiated to demonstrate who is master.
Evgeny Satanosvky, President of the Russian Jewish Congress doesn't think
the situation is that dramatic. His opinion is that the unusual activity
of the General Prosecutor's Office is quite typical of the relations between
business
structures and the authorities in Russia.
Yabloko chairman Grigory Yavlinsky
thinks such a connection between the authorities and business structures
is rather strange in Russia. He even calls them Siamese twins who have
started fighting each other. The Yabloko leader is sure that we will continue
witnessing similar conflicts. He adds that only an independent parliament,
judicial system and fair elections can help prevent such conflicts in
future.
Independent deputy Vladimir Ryzhkov thinks Russia is now at a crossroads.
On the one hand, we are offered a development model suggesting nationalization
and isolation from the outside world. On the other hand, Russia still
has a chance to become integrated in the international economy. Society
is keeping quiet. This means that the President
has the final word.
See also:
YUKOS
Case
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