Liberal Democratic Party Analysis
Another essential point is the subjugation of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) described as a populist radical party. Whose belief suggest an anti-establishment centralized government is critical to combating the corrupt political elites (March 245). This party is staunchly against the United Russia party and actually went so far to demand the resignation of Boris Gryzlov who is the parties leader. United Russia represents a mass majority of seats in the Duma while the Liberal Democratic party has no seats in the Duma. Not only that but United Russia is aligned with the Kremlin and, of course, Putin. The Liberal Democratic party claims the UR monopolizes every situation and mimics the communist party in some aspects (March 246).
United Russia has adopted more reasonable qualities to broaden its appeal and popularity but they may lose footing if Putin is not reelected resulting in their becoming the minority party. As suggested by Richard Sakwa United Russia is a ‘party of power, not a party in power’ (148). Even though the Liberal Democratic party’s main stance is on social and national demands they still have a solid vote in parliamentary elections. The cracks in Putin’s foundation have begun to show since the 2011 elections when United Russia lost seats in the Duma. With the absence of other parties to compete with and see garner enough votes to be represented within the Duma elections will constantly be perceived as rigged or flawed from the top down ( Casula 11). Hence, Putin disassociates himself from any political party to make sure he can be as flexible as possible for his people.
United Russia has adopted more reasonable qualities to broaden its appeal and popularity but they may lose footing if Putin is not reelected resulting in their becoming the minority party. As suggested by Richard Sakwa United Russia is a ‘party of power, not a party in power’ (148). Even though the Liberal Democratic party’s main stance is on social and national demands they still have a solid vote in parliamentary elections. The cracks in Putin’s foundation have begun to show since the 2011 elections when United Russia lost seats in the Duma. With the absence of other parties to compete with and see garner enough votes to be represented within the Duma elections will constantly be perceived as rigged or flawed from the top down ( Casula 11). Hence, Putin disassociates himself from any political party to make sure he can be as flexible as possible for his people.