Heheh. Not that I love CPRF so much (in my mind it's an imcompetent party since hte demand for communist and socialist parties and ideas in Russia is very great, but the CPRF fails to realize a large fraction of that demand, ceding some to United Russia (which managed to grasp the image of late-USSR CPSU and thus a part of the "80's nostalgia" electorate).... just interesting. Why single out Communists? As the only politically credible opposition to the Kremlin? Or as the last in line to surrender to Putin's political will?Vladimir Putin personally congratulated G. Zyuganov, the leader of Russian Communist party, with it's success at elections
"I want to congratulate you and the Party you represent, since you have increased your representation in the Parliament - from 47 to 57 mandates. 10 more places and so an increase in influence" - said Putin at a meeting with the Communist leader in the Kremlin, during the "Vesti" TV report.
G. Zyuganov, however, counted for a larger result [S.B. comment - he would have gotten it if not for Putin including himself into "United Russia" and officially endorsing it]. "We had reasons to count for it: good program, and a young active team" - the Communist leader remarked. He also said that Communists from virtually all regions will be represented in the Parliament.
According to Zyuganov, the CPRF fraction in the Parliament consists of "experienced people, two-thirds of whom were also working in the 4th Parliament on various administrative posts".
So far I didn't see Putin congratulating Zhirinovsky or Mironov, too. I wonder what this PR move from both Putin and Communists mean - end of a slow power feud? Or the CPRF just cedes oppositionary positions, totally turning into another Kremlin party? Heh. Something to ponder and ask when I see my regional representative next time.
