LI, 07.07.2016
Launching their electoral programme ahead of national elections in Russia on 18 September 2016, the Russian United Democratic Party (YABLOKO – LI full-member) held their 19th Congress from 1-3 July, where they presented a viable, liberal alternative to Vladimir Putin’s authoritarianism brand of politics.

“The party programme is addressed to all the citizens of Russia and represents a coherent and convincing alternative, the way out of the deadlock. One of the fundamental and distinctive features of our electoral programme is that YABLOKO is ‘the party of peace,’” said party leader Emilia Slabunova.

The programme seeks to reject the masochist politics of President Putin and centres on well-being, security and respect in a created manifesto that ranges from foreign affairs and environmental policies to fighting corruption.

The high-point of the congress was the announcement of a democratic coalition and a full list of candidates – which includes 341 candidates on the party list and 185 candidates contesting single-mandate constituencies – who will compete in the national elections. “Today I want to announce to all our country that at this Congress we have founded the basis for a democratic coalition – it is a serious foundation which we have laid. And it is our victory for today, it is the first step,” said Grigory Yavlinsky, YABLOKO party founder and candidate for the parliamentary election.

“YABLOKO is the Party of the European choice for Russia,” concluded Slabunova.

The original publication http://www.liberal-international.org/site/Russian_liberals_present_a_coalition_for_democracy_ahead_of_elections.html