Russia’s ruling party United Russia suffered a rare political defeat on November 18, when its proposed hikes on road tax were voted down and radically amended by the Federation Council, the upper house of Parliament, amidst widespread public outcry and even disapproval from the Kremlin. The amended version was sent back to the State Duma and then obediently adopted by United Russia on November 20. But not only is this turnaround an embarrassment for the party of power, it also fuels suspicion that it is just following orders. Was someone pulling the strings behind the scenes at United Russia? And was there a hint of another rift in the power tandem of President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin?
Please log in to view the complete article for FREE.
Already a Registered user? Log in here:
Not a registered user? Register here for FREE access to all RUSSIA PROFILE articles.
