Thread: Who were demonstrating in Moscow last weekend?

I really don't like these Russian oligarchs. One is dodgier than the next! And why do they all go to England all the time? What's the connection? So in the past, the state owned everything in Russia... and now the oligarchs own everything in Russia instead! Is that really better.... If they've rigged the government too, then their takeover is complete - since it's clear that they already control the media. And it's interesting to note that some of the most parasitic capitalists on the European continent today, are people who grew up in the USSR.

Really interesting to hear about your voting strategy, Ramil!
Ok, so what's the 411 on Zuganov then? (American expression, just using it for fun... it means - what is the gossip & background information about him)

I mean, he's the major REAL opposition politican. I am guessing that Russian Communists don't want to turn back time, but have a modern version of Communism. How would you summarize that?

This said - I don't think communists can win an election in a country with a decent sized middle class, and where a large proportion of people own their own houses or flat. Communists can only win in poor countries, or if there is a revolution. That's what I think - but maybe Russia is the exception.

Sweden has the same setup with regards to a lower limit for getting into the parliament. 4% is the limit. In the past, there were some serious alternatives that people could vote for but now all parties are congregated in the middle and it practically doesn't matter what you vote for, you get the same anyway. In the UK, this process has been completed. It genuinely doesn't matter which party you vote for, both have the same process and there are only two parties, more or less.
The one difference that you can make is voting for a mayor of your city. Depending on who is the mayor, a few noticeble things actually change, like better public transport or rubbish collection.

Originally Posted by Hanna

Really interesting to hear about your voting strategy, Ramil!

I won't go. I think Putin will win without my help and other candidates - there's just no one worthy enough. Really, compared to them all, Putin *IS* a better choice.

Originally Posted by Hanna

Ok, so what's the 411 on Zuganov then? (American expression, just using it for fun... it means - what is the gossip & background information about him)

I think he's afraid. He won the elections in 1998 but was too scared to oppose Yeltsin and gave up. Besides, he's being less a communist and more a politician. I just think he's now being manipulated by other leaders of opposition.

Originally Posted by Hanna

I mean, he's the major REAL opposition politican.

See above about who's *REAL*

Originally Posted by Ramil

Really, compared to them all, Putin *IS* a better choice.

What do you think of Prokhorov?

Originally Posted by Crocodile

What do you think of Prokhorov?

Oh, this one is caring for the country and for the people the most.

Originally Posted by Ramil

Oh, this one is caring for the country and for the people the most.

And why exactly Putin does it better?

Originally Posted by Crocodile

And why exactly Putin does it better?

All candidates are bad and that's Putin's fault. All oppositional candidates (among those who's independent from Putin) have made too many promises for too many rather disgusting persons in order to become candidates. And some of these promises thei will be obliged (or forced) to honor (and I'm afraid I wouldn't like the consequences all that much). Putin saw to that noone had the chance of becoming a real independent candidate. The only more or less independent one is Putin himself.
It saddens me to think that Russia really is a de-facto monarchy now still I don't see any other choice.