100 дней после: обсуждаем план. Дискуссия на конференции @memorialcenter в Париже

Екатерина Шульман56 minutes read

Speakers discuss the need for political changes post-Putin, highlighting the importance of a new Constitution and elections for a constitutional assembly. Reforms in law enforcement agencies, international agreements on de-occupation consequences, and the role of European countries in shaping Russia's future are crucial for positive outcomes and avoiding authoritarian degradation.

Insights

  • The absence of ethnic or national minority representation among the speakers at the legal project discussion highlights a lack of diverse perspectives on crucial issues in Russia, potentially limiting the comprehensive understanding of the country's challenges and future directions.
  • The emphasis on structural reforms, including the need for a new Constitution and lustration measures, underscores the critical importance of addressing historical injustices, promoting accountability, and ensuring legitimacy in the post-Putin era to shape a more democratic and stable future for Russia.

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Recent questions

  • What is the focus of the discussion on the legal project 100 days after Putin?

    The discussion revolves around the post-Putin era, emphasizing the need for political changes and constitutional reforms to shape a better future for Russia.

  • Why is it important to examine a country's dark past for a better future?

    Examining a country's dark past is crucial to learn from historical mistakes, prevent their repetition, and pave the way for a more democratic and just society in the future.

  • What are the proposed measures to enhance democracy in Russia post-Putin?

    Proposed measures include increasing citizen representation in elections, allowing regional parties, adjusting constituencies, and enabling direct elections of mayors to strengthen democracy.

  • How are trade unions and employee rights emphasized in the discussion?

    Trade unions and employee rights are highlighted as essential in preventing repression, promoting democracy, empowering wage workers, and enhancing political influence in the post-Putin era.

  • What role do international agreements play in shaping the future of Russia?

    International agreements are crucial in addressing issues like de-occupation consequences, citizenship, and property rights, with European countries potentially playing a significant role in shaping Russia's future and supporting positive outcomes.

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Summary

00:00

"Post-Putin Russia: Challenges and Solutions"

  • Discussion on the legal project 100 days after Putin with four speakers: Ekaterina Shulman, Grigory Bayn, Mikhail Lobanov, and Mikhail Dobrinsky.
  • Notable absence of representatives from ethnic or national minorities in Russia among the speakers.
  • Speakers all have Moscow-based careers or education during Putin's reign, highlighting the capital's significance.
  • Mention of a young Russian activist advocating for gradual lifting of international sanctions on Russia with democratic steps.
  • Reflection on lack of public condemnation of war crimes in Chechnya during Putin's early reign.
  • Questioning why intelligent individuals didn't speak out against the Putin regime earlier.
  • Emphasis on the importance of examining a country's dark past to shape a better future.
  • Grigory discusses the importance of a document to guide political changes post-Putin, highlighting the need for a ready-made Constitution.
  • Ekaterina suggests the possibility of a state of emergency to avoid immediate elections post-Putin, proposing elections for a constitutional assembly instead.
  • Caution against concentrating power in a new presidency without substantial changes to the existing political system.

21:02

Reforming Political Participation and Ensuring Accountability

  • The current usurpation of power can be arranged by banning large groups from political participation.
  • The law must be adopted for elections to the constitutional assembly, which will consider a new constitution.
  • The draft constitution may alter the highest bodies of power and presidential election processes.
  • The focus on democratization through elections needs to be broadened to include other crucial aspects.
  • The need to address compensation for victims of state terror and unfairly dismissed employees is highlighted.
  • The importance of trade unions and employee rights in preventing repression and promoting democracy is emphasized.
  • The necessity of reforms being in line with the rule of law for legitimacy and international acceptance is stressed.
  • Lustration, as a selective measure against those involved in state terror, is proposed for accountability.
  • The role of trade unions in empowering wage workers and enhancing political influence is advocated.
  • A comprehensive system of compensation for victims of state terror should be accompanied by individualized lustration measures.

39:36

Reforming Security Forces and Enhancing Democracy

  • The speaker lists the prosecutors who supported the charges, emphasizing the organized group carrying out state terror.
  • Structural reforms concerning security forces are absent, with a call to dismember the Federal Security Service.
  • The speaker questions the existence of a state body with extensive powers, including a unit engaged in state terror.
  • Proposals include a full FSB exercise, transferring units like anti-terrorist special forces, and abolishing certain departments.
  • The speaker highlights the importance of addressing unfair privatization and the need for financial lustration.
  • Plans involve abolishing bans and fines in the media sector to enhance information flow and public discussion.
  • The goal of the 100-day plan is to increase representation of citizens in elections, focusing on regional and municipal levels.
  • Suggestions include allowing regional parties, adjusting constituencies, and enabling direct elections of mayors to enhance democracy.
  • The speaker advocates for a bottom-up approach in electoral processes, allowing for a natural progression of power distribution.
  • A historical reference to France's democratic evolution is made, emphasizing the separation of personal, ideological, and institutional components in governance.

59:17

Reforming Russian Security Forces Amid Escalating Violence

  • The Russian opposition is discussing the reform of security forces due to escalating violence and concerns about the spread of violence in the country.
  • Questions arise about the legal aspects of regions leaving the Russian Federation and the potential for greater independence within the Federation.
  • The emergency scenario in Russia is seen as increasingly implemented, leading to potential chaos in a regime change situation.
  • The need for reforms in law enforcement agencies is highlighted, with a focus on removing the political police apparatus to reduce violence and maintain public order.
  • The importance of encouraging correct behavior and punishing incorrect behavior to establish new norms in the post-regime change environment is emphasized.
  • The return of Ukrainian territories, such as Crimea, to Ukraine is seen as a necessary step in a peaceful settlement, regulated by international agreements.
  • The role of France and the West, including the European Union, in supporting reforms in Russia and potentially lifting sanctions is considered crucial for positive outcomes.
  • Legal obstacles in the Russian Constitution regarding negotiations on territory alienation are viewed as potentially void due to irregular adoption procedures.
  • The need for international agreements to address the consequences of de-occupation, such as citizenship and property issues, is highlighted.
  • Suggestions for canceling legally void amendments and the potential for European countries to play a significant role in shaping the future of Russia are discussed.

01:17:06

"European countries must act to prevent chaos"

  • European countries should act in their own interests to avoid chaos in Eurasia and maintain peaceful neighbors for trade, preventing sudden increases in military production.
  • Isolationism and authoritarianism are linked, with isolation leading to authoritarian consolidation, making it crucial to avoid isolation to prevent authoritarian degradation.
  • International processes largely determine Russia's future, with European countries needing to address trends like vulnerable populations and unfair tax policies to influence positive change.
  • The West should understand the depth of reforms needed in Russia, including structural changes and transitional justice, to support systemic reforms and avoid potential military conflicts stemming from societal precarity.
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