Yabloko Bureau statement, 30.05.2019

In recent years, a number of leaders of the present Russian government began raising a question of the need to create and legislate a single ideology.

Now, an academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences has been switched to the promotion of this idea. An appeal has been made to introduce into the Constitution of the Russian Federation an article on a unified state ideology and begin a discussion that should result in the elaboration of such a unified state ideology, which would be mandatory for all.

The Bureau of Russian United Democratic Party Yabloko believes that a unified state ideology is a way to totalitarianism. We stand for the diversity of ideas and ideologies (with the exception of those that are legally recognised as dangerous for society) and political competition, because only this can ensure successful development of our country.

Twice the monopoly on power led Russia to the hardest crises, which cost our country very dearly. The monopoly on communist ideology was already enshrined in the USSR Constitution, but this did not lead to the consolidation of society.

We believe that the arguments expressed in this address “about the values that are genetically inherent to the Russian people and that form the basis of its identity,” very much resemble Nazi rhetoric.

We are drawing attention of all that Article 13 of the present Constitution of the Russian Federation clearly states that “Ideological diversity is recognized in the Russian Federation. No ideology can be established as state or mandatory. The Russian Federation recognises political diversity, a multi-party system”. It is impossible to change Chapter 1 “Foundation of the Constitutional System” of the Constitution of the Russian Federation, which includes this article, without convocation of the Constitutional Assembly.

A unified state ideology, introduced into the Constitution and mandatory for all, outlaws the possibility of opposition activities, freedom of thought, the possibility of free social and political creativity.

The proposed amendment to the Constitution opens up unlimited possibilities for establishing a totalitarian regime.

The Bureau of Russian United Democratic Party Yabloko calls on political and public organisations and Russian citizens to protect freedom of thought and political competition in Russia.

Emilia Slabunova,

Yabloko Chair