The result was largely expected, however, as the tightly controlled elections effectively excluded the genuine opposition. The Central Election Commission said early trends indicated that United Russia could win 355 of the 450 seats in the State Duma. If confirmed, the figure would be the party’s highest total so far.
Yet, despite the scale of the victory, divisions within Putin’s party are growing. These are Russia’s first parliamentary elections since the war with Ukraine began, and the Kremlin used every available means to secure a victory. Before the elections, the Kremlin banned the opposition party Yabloko, while most candidates critical of Putin were prevented from contesting the elections.
The crackdown, however, has not concealed the divisions that have emerged within Russian society. Over the past year, ordinary Russians have increasingly begun expressing their anger and frustration openly. Officials have warned about the rising cost of the war, while bankers have said the economy is not in a position to bear the burden of the conflict.
That does not mean Putin’s grip on power has weakened. On the contrary, it has strengthened during the war in Ukraine. Russia affairs expert Ksenia Kirillova said Putin used the war to reach a level of repression that could previously not have been imagined. According to her, the war has become the main foundation of Putin’s rule.
At the same time, the attack on Ukraine has become a double-edged sword for Russia. Before the war, the Kremlin had left some space for organised opposition, but that space was eliminated after the conflict began. The move has also widened divisions within Russian society and the economy.
How this double-edged sword will ultimately fall remains uncertain. Its consequences could be significant not only for Russia but also for the future of Europe.
About The Author
Comment List