Russian Political Parties

Russia has many political parties. During the Soviet Union, the Communist Party controlled the government, military and media. Since the end of the Cold War, the Soviet Union has moved toward regular elections and some form of democracy. The Communist Party is no longer in control, but it still has many supporters. Today, the main political party is United Russia. This party has the largest number of seats in the Duma, Russia’s parliament. United Russia is the creation of Vladimir Putin, the former president of Russia. Putin is unpopular in many parts of Europe and the United States because of his tough policies against his opponents. The People for Democracy and Justice Party and the Other Russia movement do not support Putin.

The Communist Party of the Russian Federation (KPRF)

The Communist Party of the Russian Federation (KPRF) is the successor to the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. The party opposes capitalism and free trade with the West. Gennady Zyuganov currently leads the party, and his supporters won nearly 50 seats in the last election. The party believes Russia had more influence and power when communism was in control. Many party members want to abolish private property and restore Russia’s military empire. These members also believe the West is an enemy of Russia. The party opposes the economic policies of Putin and any move toward democracy.

United Russia

United Russia is the main political party in the country. Putin largely created this centrist party in April 2001, and he has a lot of power in the Duma. In one election, United Russia got 38% of the votes and 68% of the seats (305 deputies) in the Duma. Putin is the former head of the KGB and is unpopular throughout Europe and the United States because of his strong actions. Many critics think he is like a dictator with too much control. While in office, reporters were attacked or expelled from Russia because of their opposition of Putin. During the same time, Putin tried to upset elections in Ukraine and Georgia. These countries were part of the Soviet Union, and Russia still wants to influence this region.

People for Democracy and Justice Party/The Other Russia

Supporters of democracy believe United Russia is similar to fascism and a major threat to freedom. These critics think Putin has undermined free elections and the importance of an independent press. Former Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov is the leader of People for Democracy and Justice, and opposed to Putin. Gary Kasparov is the force behind The Other Russia movement. He is a former world chess champion and a supporter of the West. Kasparov has written many articles in The Wall Street Journal and New York Times against Putin. He believes Russia is not a democracy and that Putin has made Russia less free.