Tag Archives: komi

On cost-shifting, the Duma election and others

As a background for a forthcoming report, I am highlighting some stories from the past month that show how Russia’s domestic political machinery shifts financial and political costs during the war. As the country is facing an increasingly uncertain-looking summer, … Continue reading

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On regional fiscal figures, falling governors and others

A first look at the Treasury’s data on regional budget execution in the first quarter of 2026 and what this means for regional finances; an explanation of why the dismissal of Vyacheslav Gladkov is likely watched and thought over by … Continue reading

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On the municipal reform and war participants, Putin’s press conference and others

The federal reform of municipal public administration continues to throw waves and upsetting people – unsurprisingly, even former war participants. This is just one of the many underlying political risks that the Kremlin is aware of but can do little … Continue reading

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On Russia’s upcoming elections and why they matter

Russia will hold regular regional and local elections on September 12-14 . The “single day of voting” – admittedly, the name is a little confusing given that since 2020 elections in many regions have been held over two or three … Continue reading

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On the municipal reform, investment plans and others

Why is the Russian government planning to drag out the implementation of an upcoming reform of municipal self-governance? And does it matter? And why is it difficult to take the Kremlin’s infrastructure development plans at face value? Below I am … Continue reading

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A mayor issue

The issue of direct mayoral elections and of local representative democracy in general is triggering protest movements and referendum initiatives in several Russian regions. This is partly due to national and regional politics becoming less and less pluralistic. However, the … Continue reading

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No country for old politics

March has seen the start of this year’s spring “gubernatoropad” (“the season of falling governors”) in Russia with the dismissal of (as of this writing) two governors. While ongoing rumors and some recent investigations indicate that there could be more … Continue reading

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