Local Self-Government Flounders in Obscurity Dies Alone

Vladimir Putin regain the presidency in a landslide against a familiar lineup of aging, Kremlin-screened opponents. At a post-election opposition rally last year, three newly elected deputies, all in their 20s, joined seasoned anti-Kremlin leaders on the stage, eliciting perhaps the loudest cheers from the crowd and cries of “Good job!” Taking the microphone, newly elected Deputy Konstantin Yankauskas seemed to get carried away in the euphoria of the moment. “For five years, we’ll stick it to [ruling party deputies] and monitor every step!” he exclaimed. Outside the Moscow City Duma on a sl…

Read more