Election update XI
As Russia prepares for the 2026 State Duma elections, Kremlin dismantles local self-government system.
More on this in our monthly digest covering the main election developments in February - early March 2025.
“Foreign agent” filter for parliamentary opposition
The Russian Ministry of Justice is increasingly labeling members of systemic parties as 'foreign agents' — targeting prominent regional politicians who lose their parliamentary mandates and the ability to participate in elections.
Andrey Pertsev explores how this will change the new composition of the State Duma and the party system.
Read more … “Foreign agent” filter for parliamentary opposition
Report: Critical state of freedom of speech
The Mass Media Defense Centre, Russia's leading human rights organization for media and journalist rights, has released its annual "Freedom of Speech – 2024" report.
With detailed analysis of new laws and statistics on media persecution, the report sheds light on the growing threats to free speech and independent journalism across the country.
REM summarizes the key findings of the report.
Election update X
Russia begins preparations for the Unified Voting Day and State Duma elections 2026.
Read our brief overview of key political trends and major electoral events of early 2025.
National republics against the vertical power structure
Kremlin is preparing a large-scale municipal reform, aiming to abolish tens of thousands of urban and rural settlements across Russia.
The initiative has faced criticism from the leadership of the affluent and populous republics of Tatarstan and Bashkortostan, with State Duma Speaker Volodin effectively sabotaging its adoption.
This article explores why the Kremlin's municipal reform drew criticism from seemingly loyal regional politicians.
Read more … National republics against the vertical power structure
2024: A year of great hopes and crushing disappointments
Looking back at the past year, REM presents a political summary of 2024 in Russia.
More on the key election-related developments and what to watch for in 2025 – in this article.
Read more … 2024: A year of great hopes and crushing disappointments