I had to force myself to watch Dmitry Medvedev’s interview with TV journalist Vladimir Pozner. The sincerity with which Medvedev defends completely cynical decisions doesn’t make him sincere – or the decisions any more defensible.
Elections
Love in the Time of Cynicism
In March I attended a reception at the U.S. ambassador’s residence in Moscow. When a certain, not unknown Russian-American gentleman noticed me, he smiled dryly and exclaimed: “Ah, the anti-Putin blogger!”
Inauguration in a Ghost Town
Vladimir Putin is not a loved president, he’s a default president. Just because he has managed to check off the boxes “nomination,” “election” and “inauguration,” doesn’t mean he’s home free.
Russia’s Approaching Nonelection
If all goes according to plan, the Kremlin candidate will sweep the election as the standard-bearer of strength and stability. Whatever the next president’s name, the winner will be Putin.
Putin’s Bag of Tricks
Kremlin politics is so opaque that it functions like a sort of personality test. Optimists glean just enough hope to justify their wishful thinking, while pessimists find hints of the most monstrous conspiracy theories.
Putin’s Shadow Looms Over Mayoral Race in Olympic City of Sochi
Vladislav Funtyakov, a member of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin’s United Russia party, is losing the faith. When the Sochi city councilman tried to enter the mayoral race in his hometown, site of the 2014 Winter Olympics, his application was rejected.
Former Putin Ally Kasyanov Warns West of Medvedev’s Modernization Drive
“We won’t participate in any legalization of Putin’s next term, as we understand it will be an imitation of an election,” Mikhail Kasyanov said. “I have no doubt that Putin has already decided to take back the presidency.”
A Weakened Putin Is Questioned Abroad, Under Siege at Home
When Vladimir Putin takes the presidential oath of office for a third time, he will be facing two unexpected new challenges that will rattle and shake his once formidable power base.
Tina Turner, Deep Purple Play Kremlin at Gazprom Birthday Bash
When Tina Turner asked the audience: “Is everybody all right?” her question was met with silence. Most of the guests were middle-aged managers who remained in their seats during the show.
Demise of ‘Last Mohican’ Cements Medvedev Win Over Local Bosses
Yury Luzhkov’s ouster after 18 years as mayor of Moscow completes Russia’s purge of independent regional leaders begun during Vladimir Putin’s presidency.
