About our Russian Politics news
Latest news on politics in Russia, with the latest developments from the Kremlin and president Vladimir Putin.
Since the 1990s, Russian politics has been characterized by a struggle between the presidential administration and the parliament, with power alternating between the two. In the 2000s, this struggle shifted from a battle between the executive and legislature to one between the Kremlin and the people. The Russian Constitution of 1993 provides for a strong presidency, with the president having the power to veto legislation, appoint and dismiss the prime minister and Cabinet, and command the armed forces. The president is also the head of state, and is elected by popular vote for a six-year term.
The Federal Assembly is the country's legislature, and is made up of the State Duma (the lower house) and the Federation Council (the upper house). The State Duma has 450 members, who are elected for five-year terms, while the Federation Council has 178 members, who are each elected to represent one of the country's 83 federal subjects for four-year terms.