Dmitry Medvedev has proposed far-reaching political reforms in an effort to undermine anti-Kremlin protests due to resume in Moscow on Saturday.
In his final annual speech to both houses of parliament, Russia’s outgoing president spoke in favour of a return to direct elections of governors in the country’s 83 regions, the establishment of a citizencontrolled public television station to end state dominance of mass media, and simplified registration for parties to allow more political competition.
Yesterday’s address came as the authorities look for some way to soak up popular anger over electoral fraud in parliamentary elections on December 4. Russia’s urban middle classes have mobilised in protests, including one on December 10, when 50,000 took to the streets, in the biggest recorded demonstration since Vladimir Putin became president in 1999.