NationStates Jolt Archive

Putin Dissolves Russian Government
By MIKE ECKEL – 2 hours ago

MOSCOW (AP) — President Vladimir Putin dissolved Russia's government Wednesday in a major political shakeup ahead of parliamentary and presidential elections, the Kremlin said.

The dissolution is expected to result in a new prime minister, who will be seen as Putin's choice to succeed him after he steps down next spring.

The newspaper Vedomosti, citing unidentified Kremlin officials, reported that Sergei Ivanov, a first deputy prime minister and a leading contender to succeed Putin, could be appointed to replace Prime Minister Mikhail Fradkov.

Another first deputy prime minister, Dmitry Medvedev, who is a top executive at natural gas monopoly OAO Gazprom, is considered the other leading contender.

Under the constitution, Putin has two weeks to propose a new head of government, which the lower house of parliament, the State Duma, then has a week to vote on. Russian news agencies said Fradkov would serve as acting prime minister until the vote.

Fradkov said he asked for the dissolution of the government because with elections approaching, Putin needed to have a free hand to make decisions, including those concerning appointments.

Parliamentary elections are scheduled for Dec. 2, followed some three months later by presidential balloting.

"You might be right that we must all think about how to structure the government so that it better suits the pre-election period and prepares the country for what will happen after the parliamentary and presidential elections," Putin said.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gPIUjKcEm4daVz-71Shxb_ZdIsTQ

Well, this is certainly interesting.

Somehow, I'm not too optimistic about Putin having a 'free hand to make decisions'.

So, what does this mean for Russia? (and the world, for that matter)

The fact that the article states that the next PM is going to be his handpicked successor says it all.

certainly doesn't sound good...

In Soviet Russia, wait a week and Putin will bring it back.

In Soviet Russia, wait a week and Putin will bring it back.

In Soviet Russia the government dissolves you!

To be 100% honest....I don't think anyone is shocked by this.

For example, I just opened up NSG and saw this thread...I was like..heh, what else is new..and kept scrolling through searching for other threads.

Glad I dont live in Belarus, Ukraine, the Baltic States, anywhere in Central Asia or Chechnia right now.
Anybody want to take bets on how long it is before Russia starts making serious moves to reclaim their 'provinces in rebellion'?

Glad I dont live in Belarus, Ukraine, the Baltic States, anywhere in Central Asia or Chechnia right now.
Anybody want to take bets on how long it is before Russia starts making serious moves to reclaim their 'provinces in rebellion'?
I'd love to see Russia try to take the Baltic states or threaten Finland or Ukraine...it would make them even MORE unpopular geopolitically, and the Baltic states and Ukraine are trying their hardest to become western.

Anyway, in my opinion Russia should just take Sweden. It's already basically brainwashed not to question it's goverment and socialist enough...and I know I sure as hell wouldn't miss it.

In Soviet Russia the government dissolves you!

That eerily sounds all too real. Look out for those acid vats.

I'd love to see Russia try to take the Baltic states or threaten Finland or Ukraine...it would make them even MORE unpopular geopolitically, and the Baltic states and Ukraine are trying their hardest to become western.

Anyway, in my opinion Russia should just take Sweden. It's already basically brainwashed not to question it's goverment and socialist enough...and I know I sure as hell wouldn't miss it.

I dont think Russias goal is to be popular. Besides, thumbing their nose at the US/NATO would certainly make them popular with, say, venezuela and all those other nations that Oceandrive makes ## topics for.

And Putin doesnt seem like the type to even PRETEND to be socialist.

I'd love to see Russia try to take the Baltic states or threaten Finland or Ukraine...it would make them even MORE unpopular geopolitically, and the Baltic states and Ukraine are trying their hardest to become western.

They'd fight like hell...those countries never, ever want again to be under Soviet occupation and the tyranny it brought with it.

The fact that the article states that the next PM is going to be his handpicked successor says it all.

Well that was on the cards since like forever.

To be 100% honest....I don't think anyone is shocked by this.

For example, I just opened up NSG and saw this thread...I was like..heh, what else is new..and kept scrolling through searching for other threads.

Actually the surprise is in Putin choosing a tax inspector as his puppet.

Can someone explain to me what dissolving the government means? I'm totally lost here.

Here comes the Soviet Union...

That I don't really see happening. Communism is dead in Russia. Yes there are the holdouts of course but as a state ideology...its a gonner.

Blue Jeans alone assure that...

Can someone explain to me what dissolving the government means? I'm totally lost here.

From what I can see (the article isnt too specific) it means Putin fired everybody and said, "Im putting a bunch of new people into office, including the next Prime Minister"
It probably actually means, "Screw democracy, Im making all the descisions now."

Here comes the Soviet Union...

From what I can see (the article isnt too specific) it means Putin fired everybody and said, "Im putting a bunch of new people into office, including the next Prime Minister"
It probably actually means, "Screw democracy, Im making all the descisions now."

But how is that sort of thing even legal?

Could someone else explain it to me please? I'm still lost.

But how is that sort of thing even legal?

Could someone else explain it to me please? I'm still lost.

Its not, I dont think. The Russian Constitution might have provision for it though.
But, IMO, he can do it because he's got the majority of the population drugged up on dreams of greatness. A lot of Russians WANT the Soviet Union back, or something like it, at least. A supreme autocratic leader, lets say. And Putin seems to want to give that to them.

Its not, I dont think. The Russian Constitution might have provision for it though.
But, IMO, he can do it because he's got the majority of the population drugged up on dreams of greatness. A lot of Russians WANT the Soviet Union back, or something like it, at least. A supreme autocratic leader, lets say. And Putin seems to want to give that to them.
Russians want back the greatness that the Soviet Union being a world power brought. Like 90% of other problems in the world, it stems from the US' Wild Wild West style international policy.

Russians want back the greatness that the Soviet Union being a world power brought. Like 90% of other problems in the world, it stems from the US' Wild Wild West style international policy.

Which entails a supreme autocratic leader, because Russia always does best when it has a single, all-powerful (or at least mostly-powerful) leader. As I've said before, the Russian Empire started its downhill trend when the nobles started gaining more and more power, as did Muscovy, and the Soviet Union. Unfourtunatly for Russia, it seems that their aristocracy is pretty much inherently corrupt beyond the wildest dreams of any US Senator.

Am I the only person who has always thought that Putin looks a little bit 'evil'?

Can someone explain to me what dissolving the government means? I'm totally lost here.
Removing parliament and reforming it.

Am I the only person who has always thought that Putin looks a little bit 'evil'?
He was the leader of the KGB and trained the Stasi in counterespionage. Go figure.

Removing parliament and reforming it.

...

What?

Removing parliament and reforming it.

Reforming in the loosest possible sense I suspect.

...

What?
"All of you are sacked, go home", at which point there may or may not be elections depending on how he feels.

I dunno that he's personally got the time to vet a whole government, though, so it's more likely he'll get his friends into powerful places and let them pick some minions.

"All of you are sacked, go home", at which point there may or may not be elections depending on how he feels.

I dunno that he's personally got the time to vet a whole government, though, so it's more likely he'll get his friends into powerful places and let them pick some minions.

I still don't understand what he's doing and how that's legal. He just fires everyone in Parliament? What the hell gives him that kind of power? Not even the President of the U.S. has that kind of power over Congress.

He can do it because he has popular support. If somebody tries to stop him, they might well 'dissapear'.
Its the Russian political system. Putin is the boss, and he's been setting up for this ever since he got into office. He's sort of like the Russian version of Bush, see? Only Putin is apparently pretty smart.

Sweden. It's already basically brainwashed not to question it's goverment

Do you honestly believe this?

Do you honestly believe this?
That the Swedish media, education system and government brainwash the population?

100%

That it is like Russia? No, it's not at all..it's just that Russia has been known to be less than nice to those it's oppressing and Sweden deserves a bit of oppression to smack it upside the head.

That the Swedish media, education system and government brainwash the population?

100%

That it is like Russia? No, it's not at all..it's just that Russia has been known to be less than nice to those it's oppressing and Sweden deserves a bit of oppression to smack it upside the head.

:rolleyes:

I think the article left out too much to be understandable, so here's how it is in Russia. The Government, not the government, was dissolved. The executive power of Russia is vested the Government of the Russian Federation, which is run by the Chairman. If the Chairman resigns, then the whole Government is automatically dissolved and run by the President until a new Chairman is appointed by the President and approved by the State Duma, the lower house of Russian parliment.

It's all here (http://www.constitution.ru/en/10003000-07.htm#117) in the Russian constitution, including the dissolution bit. The OP article was updated with news that Putin has already chosen a new Chairman, so the dissolution of the Government may have more to do with Putin positioning a successor for the Presidency than anything else.

Here comes the Soviet Union...
And all hath happened as the great prophet spake (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLe6fhBejNI).

Well, except that the bit about Zombie Lenin. And I guess there aren't any lost nuclear submarines, or anything, but I'm just going to pretend that the big picture is correct anyway.

I still don't understand what he's doing and how that's legal. He just fires everyone in Parliament? What the hell gives him that kind of power? Not even the President of the U.S. has that kind of power over Congress.
He has popular support, friends in the FSB and a constitution which makes it legal. Tada.

Can someone explain to me what dissolving the government means? I'm totally lost here.

'Dissolving' the government is a necessary step before a parliamentary election campaign, so that the candidates are free to run for election. Can't do that while you still work for the government.

Government services don't cease to function.

I'd love to see Russia try to take the Baltic states or threaten Finland or Ukraine...it would make them even MORE unpopular geopolitically, and the Baltic states and Ukraine are trying their hardest to become western.

Anyway, in my opinion Russia should just take Sweden. It's already basically brainwashed not to question it's goverment and socialist enough...and I know I sure as hell wouldn't miss it.

I second this motion.

In Soviet Russia the government dissolves you!

Uncyclopedia Rules! :D

Here comes the Soviet Union...

Proletariats of the world unite!!!!

And all hath happened as the great prophet spake (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLe6fhBejNI).

Well, except that the bit about Zombie Lenin. And I guess there aren't any lost nuclear submarines, or anything, but I'm just going to pretend that the big picture is correct anyway.Simpsons knows all.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gPIUjKcEm4daVz-71Shxb_ZdIsTQ

Well, this is certainly interesting.

Somehow, I'm not too optimistic about Putin having a 'free hand to make decisions'.

So, what does this mean for Russia? (and the world, for that matter)

Vovochka's lost his mind, obviously. He thinks he's Stalin.

The real tragedy here is how ineptly this Administration has handled our relationship with Russia. We are natural allies, now, but Bush is so bent on Empire he just can't see the forest for the trees.

We’re an empire now, and when we act, we create our own reality. And while you’re studying that reality — judiciously, as you will — we’ll act again, creating other new realities, which you can study too, and that’s how things will sort out. We’re history’s actors…. and you, all of you, will be left to just study what we do.

And here I thought the days of ebil Russia were gone..

And here I thought the days of ebil Russia were gone..

ebilness is a tough thing to get rid of.

Simpsons knows all.
LOL..what an excellent clip!
I second this motion.
I mean let's face it..who'd miss those idiots.

Fass is always talking about how great the Russians are anyway...and how "non-threatening" they are...and how it's the Estonians/Ukrainians/Polish...ect fault and never Russia's.

I'd love to see Sweden suffer some good old fashion Russian-induced oppression.

Russians want back the greatness that the Soviet Union being a world power brought. Like 90% of other problems in the world, it stems from the US' Wild Wild West style international policy.

I was wondering how long it would take for someone to blame the US for this. Amazing. Nothing to see there, move along.

If anyone is surprised by this then they don't pay attention to what's going on in the world. Putin has been setting this scenario up for years.

LOL..what an excellent clip!
I agree.
I mean let's face it..who'd miss those idiots.
Norway might. Besides, if Sweden were to be oppressed what cultural gems would we miss. How would you feel knowing the next ABBA or Ace of Base was silenced before reaching the world stage?
Fass is always talking about how great the Russians are anyway...and how "non-threatening" they are...and how it's the Estonians/Ukrainians/Polish...ect fault and never Russia's.
While I'm not sure Fass likes Russia, he is the exception in every category to which he fits.
I'd love to see Sweden suffer some good old fashion Russian-induced oppression.
Why? Are you like one of those self-hating Jews, except about being Swedish?

I still don't understand what he's doing and how that's legal. He just fires everyone in Parliament? What the hell gives him that kind of power? Not even the President of the U.S. has that kind of power over Congress.

Chapter 4, Article 84 Section B of the Russian Constitution:

"[The President shall]dissolve the State Duma in cases and according to the rules fixed by the Constitution of the Russian Federation; "

http://www.constitution.ru/en/10003000-01.htm



It's legal.

Uncyclopedia Rules! :D
I believe you meant to say "Yakov Smirnoff (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yakov_Smirnoff#Russian_reversal) Rules!", but somehow managed to his completely the wrong keys and forget the space in his name.

Damn, kids today. At least know who you're ripping off.

Norway might.
Doubtful.
Besides, if Sweden were to be oppressed what cultural gems would we miss. How would you feel knowing the next ABBA or Ace of Base was silenced before reaching the world stage?
I'd suppose I would feel exactly the same as if there weren't silence, since "ABBA" and "Ace or Base" have never had the pleasure of gracing my ears with their presence.
While I'm not sure Fass likes Russia
He does.
he is the exception in every category to which he fits.
Not really. I can think of tons that he fits into.
"Stereotypical loud annoying homosexual who can't undertand that sexually should be a private concept and not something you shove in someones face who not only gives normal homosexuals a bad name but is also heterophobic.
Anti-Israel. Anti-American. Pro-Russian. Politically Correct. Anti-disscussion on "sensative" issues such as immigration, integration and multiculturalism.

AKA, Swedish.
Why? Are you like one of those self-hating Jews, except about being Swedish?
I can honestly say I didn't understand that.

Doubtful.
Don't they have a similar sort of welfare state setup themselves?
I'd suppose I would feel exactly the same as if there weren't silence, since "ABBA" and "Ace or Base" have never had the pleasure of gracing my ears with their presence.I find that highly unlikely, but for the best. The evil that is ABBA caused my browser to crash upon typing its name.

He does.

Not really. I can think of tons that he fits into.
"Stereotypical loud annoying homosexual who can't undertand that sexually should be a private concept and not something you shove in someones face who not only gives normal homosexuals a bad name but is also heterophobic.
Anti-Israel. Anti-American. Pro-Russian. Politically Correct. Anti-disscussion on "sensative" issues such as immigration, integration and multiculturalism.

AKA, Swedish.
You never closed your first opening quotation mark.I am now too confused by what you meant that I can not be expected to have an argument.
I can honestly say I didn't understand that.Re-read it until you get it. Then try to do discrete mathematics while listening to acid punk.

Don't they have a similar sort of welfare state setup themselves?
I find that highly unlikely, but for the best. The evil that is ABBA caused my browser to crash upon typing its name.
You never closed your first opening quotation mark.I am now too confused by what you meant that I can not be expected to have an argument.
Re-read it until you get it. Then try to do discrete mathematics while listening to acid punk.
Yes Norway does have a welfare state also but doesn't have the same amount of brainwashing that goes on in the Swedish schools/media/government..ect

Anyway, still don't know what ABBA is and re-check my post..I fixed whatever it was that wasn't working before.

As for the self-hating Swedish Jew thing..I still don't understand it? Are you calling me Swedish and because I am Swedish I hate my government?

Doesn't surprise me that Putin is doing this really. He's setting the stage so that his style of government can continue after he's gone. The question is how the Russian people will take to this. I mean, they like their democracy and I wouldn't be surprised if this gets compared at some point to a Stalin-era purge, minus the gulags. Somehow I don't expect the people to take this lying down.

Yes Norway does have a welfare state also but doesn't have the same amount of brainwashing that goes on in the Swedish schools/media/government..ect
I see the light. Sweden = bad, Norway = less bad.
Anyway, still don't know what ABBA is and re-check my post..I fixed whatever it was that wasn't working before.
ABBA is the most horrible musical group to ever disturb pop music. It is the pinnacle of disco.
As for the self-hating Swedish Jew thing..I still don't understand it? Are you calling me Swedish and because I am Swedish I hate my government?
Doesn't seem like you are ever going to get it.

Doesn't surprise me that Putin is doing this really. He's setting the stage so that his style of government can continue after he's gone. The question is how the Russian people will take to this. I mean, they like their democracy and I wouldn't be surprised if this gets compared at some point to a Stalin-era purge, minus the gulags. Somehow I don't expect the people to take this lying down.I dunno. Russia's history isn't like the West's. Liberalization has always been met with failure, but stone cold oppression and authoritarianism has been the only thing that has been able to get Russia to the point were it could rival one of the leading western nations.

Doesn't surprise me that Putin is doing this really. He's setting the stage so that his style of government can continue after he's gone. The question is how the Russian people will take to this. I mean, they like their democracy and I wouldn't be surprised if this gets compared at some point to a Stalin-era purge, minus the gulags. Somehow I don't expect the people to take this lying down.

You are projecting your own values onto the Russian people. Putin is *extremely* popular, and the vast majority of Russians long for the days when the USSR was a Superpower. He is the classic 'strongman' and the popluace is responding to him.


EDIT: He is also more than smart enough not to retreat back into the failed Communist system. Let the people have their cars and blue jeans and iPods while he gets the power. Free market + dictatorship. It's working in China too.

Doesn't surprise me that Putin is doing this really. He's setting the stage so that his style of government can continue after he's gone. The question is how the Russian people will take to this. I mean, they like their democracy and I wouldn't be surprised if this gets compared at some point to a Stalin-era purge, minus the gulags. Somehow I don't expect the people to take this lying down.
Excuse me. "Russia likes to feel the whip". Do you know this quote? Russians are known for liking strong authoritarian leadership...not democracy.
I see the light. Sweden = bad, Norway = less bad.
Well in my opinion obviously, I'm sure you disagree, and you may.;)
Doesn't seem like you are ever going to get it.
Explain. I promise I won't get offended.....

He is the classic 'strongman' and the popluace is responding to him.
Which doesn't exactly make it an any more appealing a prospect.

Free market + dictatorship. It's working in China too.
Russia's not a free market, it's turning into a corporatist state in which huge companies dominate the "commanding heights" and are led by friends and acquaintances of those in power. Add a heavily revolving door, and you get the picture. It's classic Mussolini, except this time it hasn't failed horribly yet.

And China is no different.

As for Sweden: http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9409248
Sweden and Finland

New boots for NATO?

But it may have to wait for a new American president

FEW new members would be more welcome in NATO than Sweden and Finland. Their military hardware is compatible, and in Sweden's case ultra-modern. They are in the right place. And the timing would be most welcome: a clear rebuff to Russia's assertive, divide-and-rule, approach to Europe.

Well in my opinion obviously, I'm sure you disagree, and you may.;)I honestly have no fucking idea what living in either would be like. All I know is that Fass claims that there are huge gay pride parades and that good jeans are expensive. You'd think that there would be a better jean market since I'm sure huge gays need quality denim.
Explain. I promise I won't get offended.....
You have probably heard of the Self Hating Jew cliche, no?
What I suggested is that you where in a similar situation, except that you were Swedish (ie Self Hating Swede) which explained your rather disliking of Sweden.

That the Swedish media, education system and government brainwash the population?

100%

That it is like Russia? No, it's not at all..it's just that Russia has been known to be less than nice to those it's oppressing and Sweden deserves a bit of oppression to smack it upside the head.

Jealous Alice, are we?

Jealous Alice, are we?
What was your first clue? My utmost loathing of Swedish politics and soceity or my repeated attempts at posting the huge amounts of social, economic political problems of Sweden in this and other threads?:rolleyes: I've travelled up to Sweden so I've been there myself. If I had to pick a Scandinavian country, I think I'd pick Denmark as I much more agree with it's politics and I rather like the language.:p
I honestly have no fucking idea what living in either would be like. All I know is that Fass claims that there are huge gay pride parades and that good jeans are expensive. You'd think that there would be a better jean market since I'm sure huge gays need quality denim.
Well I've been to Sweden, though I havn't been to Norway. And in my opinion it is MUCH better to live in Canada or America. I just oppose everything about the social and political climate in Sweden..and to a lesser extent (but still oppose) Norway. Though the people there are nice and beautiful as is the enviornment, I could never live there.

You have probably heard of the Self Hating Jew cliche, no?
What I suggested is that you where in a similar situation, except that you were Swedish (ie Self Hating Swede) which explained your rather disliking of Sweden.
Right, but wouldn't I have to be living in Sweden to satisfy that statement?

Good for him. A populace that sees little merit in democracy is hardly likely to oppose him, and I daresay he'll ensure a degree of prosperity, and security, for most Russians.

By the way; I quiet agree with Atlantian Islands about Sweden. Again.

Which doesn't exactly make it an any more appealing a prospect.


Russia's not a free market, it's turning into a corporatist state in which huge companies dominate the "commanding heights" and are led by friends and acquaintances of those in power. Add a heavily revolving door, and you get the picture. It's classic Mussolini, except this time it hasn't failed horribly yet.

And China is no different.
I agree 100% with the above.
As for Sweden: http://www.economist.com/world/europe/displaystory.cfm?story_id=9409248
Interesting. I'd love to have Finland and Sweden join NATO. I think it's even more important in the coming years when Russia will almost certainly become a larger threat. For all my dislike of Swedish politics, soceity and economics...they are still, unfortunatly, an important part of the West and because of that I feel that it would be in their best interest to join. I think it's in Finland's best interest to join NATO and regardless of what that idiotic person inthe article said about Finlands friends Russia and Estonia...there is a HUGE feeling of loathing towards Russia in Finland and rightly so. Nobody knows Russian applied pressure like the Finns. So I digress, if Russia becomes more threatening and stronger and we get a slightly more internationally popular president, I quite see Finland joining NATO.
By the way; I quiet agree with Atlantian Islands about Sweden. Again.
We tend to on those kinds of issues.:cool:

Well I've been to Sweden, though I havn't been to Norway. And in my opinion it is MUCH better to live in Canada or America. I just oppose everything about the social and political climate in Sweden..and to a lesser extent (but still oppose) Norway. Though the people there are nice and beautiful as is the enviornment, I could never live there.I must say, I envy their free university. It is much nicer than having it double over a five or so year period.

Oh Atlantian, you don't have welfare states? lol.

TARKIN: The Imperial Senate will no longer be of any concern to us.
I've just received word that the Emperor has dissolved the council
permanently. The last remnants of the Old Republic have been swept
away.

TAGGE: That's impossible! How will the Emperor maintain control
without the bureaucracy?

TARKIN: The regional governors now have direct control over
territories. Fear will keep the local systems in line. Fear of this
battle station.


just seemed appropriate

I've said it before...I admire Putin's political style. He knows Russia well.

I think everyone saw this coming...Putin wasn't leaving without hand-picking a successor. They will still have parliamentary and presidential elections, but there is little doubt as to who the winners will be.

Russia might try to be more assertive in the Caucausus, and Belarus will likely be reabsorbed eventually...that's as far as I see it going for the moment. Islam in central Asia is something Russia will be careful about right now...they're more than happy to let the U.S. keep antagonizing Muslims while they keep a low profile.

Most of the former "Iron Curtain" nations are now NATO members. Russia can't win that fight without nukes, and they know it...and they're more subtle than Iran and North Korea. They'll bide they're time and hope the West bleeds itself against Islam, while using energy revenues to keep the military capable.

Long term, I'd bet they're principally worried about China...they have to present a valid threat to the Chinese military, or risk having China supplant them in Cenral Asia.

I must say, I envy their free university. It is much nicer than having it double over a five or so year period.

I actually thought about saving up and maybe studying one of my degrees' over in Europe, Sweden seems nice.

Interesting. I'd love to have Finland and Sweden join NATO. I think it's even more important in the coming years when Russia will almost certainly become a larger threat. For all my dislike of Swedish politics, soceity and economics...they are still, unfortunatly, an important part of the West and because of that I feel that it would be in their best interest to join. I think it's in Finland's best interest to join NATO and regardless of what that idiotic person inthe article said about Finlands friends Russia and Estonia...there is a HUGE feeling of loathing towards Russia in Finland and rightly so. Nobody knows Russian applied pressure like the Finns. So I digress, if Russia becomes more threatening and stronger and we get a slightly more internationally popular president, I quite see Finland joining NATO.


Finns don't want to join NATO. The vast majority of Finns don't believe NATO would guarantee our safety any better than staying out of it. We are also afraid that joining NATO would become very expensive compared to the system we have now.

That idiotic person is quite right about our relationships with our neighbours. In reality Russia is far more important "friend" to us than Estonia is. It's pretty much a lifesaviour for our economy whereas Estonia is a cheap place to get drunk and a resource of cheap labour. Also Estonia's NATO membership has not stopped Russia from violating Estonia's air space or giving threats to Estonia. It's not an encouraging example.

I think the article left out too much to be understandable, so here's how it is in Russia. The Government, not the government, was dissolved. The executive power of Russia is vested the Government of the Russian Federation, which is run by the Chairman. If the Chairman resigns, then the whole Government is automatically dissolved and run by the President until a new Chairman is appointed by the President and approved by the State Duma, the lower house of Russian parliment.

It's all here (http://www.constitution.ru/en/10003000-07.htm#117) in the Russian constitution, including the dissolution bit. The OP article was updated with news that Putin has already chosen a new Chairman, so the dissolution of the Government may have more to do with Putin positioning a successor for the Presidency than anything else.

And he did the very same thing 4 years ago and nothing remarkable happened.

Russia's not a free market, it's turning into a corporatist state in which huge companies dominate the "commanding heights" and are led by friends and acquaintances of those in power.
It's turning into that from a corporatist state in which huge companies dominate the "commanding heights" and are led by friends and acquaintances of those in the opposition. I'd say nothing new under sun unless Putin hadn't give the power to Gazprom to create a private army. That's the scariest news I've heard from Russia for a long time.

brainwashing that goes on in the Swedish schools/media/government..ect

I don't think a trip to Sweden is quite enough to get a clear picture of what the Swedish people think. While it's true that Swedes are in general very trusting of their government, this trust does not extend to foreign governments or organizations, especially if they has any kind of impact on Swedish society. We are still very mistrusting of the EU, for example.

Many Swedes, for no good reason, think that their country is terriffic. The best, even. And they think that any outside influence must be bad. Trust me, we would not welcome Russia with open arms.

Scandinavia (Sweden in particular) are a good example of successful socialist policies.

Scandinavia (Sweden in particular) are a good example of successful socialist policies.
Except of course that they're liberal, multi-party democracies, some of which are currently governed by conservative governments. :p

Except of course that they're liberal, multi-party democracies, some of which are currently governed by conservative governments. :p
Policies, not states, their free education, healthcare, welfare etc shows promise, also the current parties matter very little, if we're talking about Sweden, the welfare ideology has been ingrained since 1932 so much into society that no opposition government can come to power or hope to retain it on saying they will dismantle the welfare policies.

Policies, not states, their free education, healthcare, welfare etc shows promise, also the current parties matter very little, if we're talking about Sweden, the welfare ideology has been ingrained since 1932 so much into society that no opposition government can come to power or hope to retain it on saying they will dismantle the welfare policies.
Never say never...it has begun (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Lordmetroid/Libertarian_Party_(Sweden)) already.

The party is still almost completely unknown to the public. In the 2006 Swedish elections the party received a total of 202 votes.

...ahem, it just might take a while. :D

their free education, healthcare, welfare
Using your definition of free (you still pay, but you pay indirectly), I still have a hard time agreeing with you, seeing as I still have a student loan to pay off (rent, food etc isn't free), I've been to the doctor twice recently and got a bill both times (albeit a small one), medicine isn't free and once when I lost my job tried to apply for some benefits and found that the paperwork required was clearly designed to put as many people off the idea of applying as possible.

no opposition government can come to power or hope to retain it on saying they will dismantle the welfare policies.
This much is true, but if you speak to average people they can't explain why they vote as they do. They're just as clueless as voters everywhere else. The most popular arguments for the left wing parties is pure egoism, such as "if I lose my job I want money", and meaningless talking points like "I have to vote for a party that supports the workers" (without, of course, a clear idea of how, or if even, the party they vote for is actually doing this).

Never say never...it has begun (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Lordmetroid/Libertarian_Party_(Sweden)) already.



...ahem, it just might take a while. :D

Yeah, it's kind of difficult to reach out to the voters when the media doesn't give a shit about you. I doubt even one in a hundred people even knows this party exists.