Knockout

RUSSIA / FSU POLITICS - Report 06 Jun 2013 by Alexey Dolinskiy

Vladislav Surkov's resignation was a tough hit for Dmitry Medvedev significantly decreasing his effectiveness as the Prime Minister. An authoritative mastermind of the national political system, he remained efficient and influential even outside the Presidential Administration and was responsible for several projects important for Medvedev. Without him as a Deputy Prime Minister and the Head of the Government Staff, the government will become less functional.

One of Russia's best domestically and internationally known economists Sergei Guriev had to leave the country due to increased pressure from the national law enforcement. His support for Navalny and Khodorkovsky eventually attracted attacks to himself and liberals surrounding Medvedev have yet been unable to protect him. That development is yet a stronger indication that no cooperation between political elite members or supporters and the opposition will be tolerated.

Russia's Open Government Partnership membership application was withdrawn as the government reconsidered the value and rules of the international institution. However, that does not mean that the Open Government in Russia itself is becoming less prominent. It is a key institution for Prime Minister Medvedev and it still enjoys its full support despite the government's general weakness.

Polls show that Russians have remained stable in ignoring not only quality healthcare but also healthy way of life and sports. Large majority of Russians can only afford free public healthcare service while large part of the remaining population fights illnesses without external hel

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