Keywords: State

State affairs – look from below

The weakness of the strong ruble

КакиС ΡΡŽΡ€ΠΏΡ€ΠΈΠ·Ρ‹ ΠΌΠΎΠΆΠ΅Ρ‚ прСподнСсти российская Π²Π°Π»ΡŽΡ‚Π°?

Reading time 10 minutes

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What happened?

Wednesday, February 15, the ruble has updated the mark of 56.6 per dollar and for 59.7 per Euro. This is the maximum strengthening over the past year and a half. The growth started in December last year (from 65 rubles/$) and during the week from 9 to 15 February 2017, the ruble grew by 5%. These figures contrast sharply with the budgeted: 67 RUB/$. The situation is also notable for the fact that the jump of the ruble is not dependent on oil prices, which was not changed in recent years, hovering around 55-56 $/bbl.

What could cause this?

One explanation for the significant growth of ruble predlogi member of the Board of Directors of the Bank Oleg Vyugin. In his opinion, massively buy up the roubles could a state company “Rosneftegaz”, which is now needed in the national currency. We will remind that “Rosneft”, which is part of Rosneftegaz, is in the process of purchase of “Bashneft”, which requires ruble assets.

The analyst of Bank “Zenit” Vladimir Evstifeev links the strengthening of the ruble with the approach of the tax period in Russia (it starts on February 15th). Since taxes are paid in rubles, demand for the national currency increased. According to experts, this is a temporary fluctuation.

Citibank analyst Denis Korshyliv notes that the policy of the Central Bank of the Russian Federation contributes to the attraction of foreign capital into the country. He draws attention to the fact that the declared level of inflation in the 2017 – 4%, which is almost 2 times less than the minimum rate of return on deposits (the rate of refinancing of the Central Bank – 10%). Thus, there remains the interest of foreign investors in national currency.

According to the portal Guru-Trade, in the future, the suspension of the strengthening of the ruble might occur in connection with the statement of the head of the fed (Federal reserve) the USA Janet Yellen that the increase in the key rate in the country is not precluded. Amid this news, investors have shown interest in buying dollars for deposits in banks of the United States, which usually leads to the growth of the dollar.

Official statements:

3the Kremlin is concerned by the strengthening of the ruble. Press Secretary of the President Dmitry Peskov on Wednesday afternoon savilthat the question of raising the rate Putin will be discussed at a meeting with acting Minister of economic development Maxim Oreshkin. However, in the transcript of the meeting, direct the discussion of the strengthening of the ruble is not. It is known that . to work on slowing inflation.

4According to the newspaper “Vedomosti”, the sharp strengthening of the ruble is also concerned about the Minister of Finance Anton Siluanov. According to him, if government does not start to buy foreign currency, the jump could be even more significant.

5on Thursday the head of the Ministry of agriculture Alexander Tkachev the TV channel “Russia-24” he said that the dollar is at 57 rubles “it’s not a disaster, but a severe blow to our national economy.”

Than good and worse than a weak ruble?

Anton Siluanov maintains that the intentional weakening of the ruble helps to maintain the competitiveness of Russian industry. In an interview with TV channel “Russia 24”, he said that Russian businessmen have already “accustomed” to the dollar at the level of 60 rubles. According to Siluanov, the further strengthening of national currency reduces the interest of foreign sellers in the Russian procurement. At the moment, the Russian production in accordance with the exchange rate it costs foreign buyers cheaper to own and is attractive to them.

However, the economist has to consider the situation from the other side. He warns that in the long run, the low exchange rate can lead to higher inflation: imports in ruble terms, much more expensive. Given that a large proportion of imports are capital goods rise in price will affect the cost of the final product, which will lead to higher prices in the country.

What are the expectations: will it rise or fall?

The analyst of Bank “Zenit” Evstifeev believes that the ruble is a little predictable. On the one hand, at the beginning of February this year, the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance announced that it will buy foreign currency on the financial market, while the price of oil reaches specified in the budget. Thus the ruble will weaken. On the other hand, a high refinancing rate attracts foreign investors and strengthen the ruble. And ruble assets have high volatility, that is, they are highly variable. Markets may soon experience a “wave of risk aversion” against the ruble. In this case, the ruble may sharply fall off.

Nordeo Bank’s chief analyst Olga Lapshin hold pessimistic expectations. She noted that the ruble looks “perekrasivshis” compared with other macroeconomic indicators such as balance of payments and the budget deficit of the country. “The strengthening of the ruble can not be infinite,” she concludes.

An employee of the company “Alpari” engaged in brokering activities, Anna Kokoreva follows opposing views on the exchange rate. It links the growth of the national currency with its “undervalued”. According to the analyst, we are now seeing how the ruble is on the background of stabilization of oil prices “catching up”.

Expert’s Commentary specifically for HIT.Media

the Leonid Grinin, chief researcher of Economics, the economist, futurologist:

1the Pros of the expensive national currency, in my opinion, is obvious. Imports become cheaper, the prices which have been bullied, can slow down and fall, and slows down inflation. There is a plus for investors: when a stronger currency may increase capital inflows. The strengthening of the ruble may impact in a positive way and from the point of view of the Central Bank, reducing the targets for inflation. But in the long run it is profitable will be.

Serious disadvantages are waiting for the exporters. Falling profits remain costs, increasing the price index with meager revenue, which, being in the foreign currency decreases in ruble terms.

I believe that to rely on this strengthening is not necessary, because the main issues in the restructuring of the economy have not been solved. Maybe not the lowest price on natural resources, but it can not rest on our laurels. Even if the oil price rises substantially, and borrowing becomes easier, then the country mired in their problems completely.

Developments

the material from the website of the newspaper "Vedomosti"
Infographics: website of the “Vedomosti”newspaper

According the international analytical company MSCI, starting in 2016, the ruble rose against the dollar by 25%, while the currencies of other developing countries appreciated on average by 7%.

Infographics from the site banki.ru
Infographics from the site banki.ru

The ruble began to crumble in the second half 2014: from the level of 35.5 rubles/$ in August to 60 rubles/$ in December. In October, the Central Bank adopted the decision on transition to a floating exchange rate. The minimum level of the ruble reached in January 2016 – 80 RUB/$. The last time the dollar was worth less than 58 rubles in July 2015. Information taken from site banki.ru.

What else to read?

the

the

And trump says that Crimea is not “ours”

ΠŸΡ€Π΅ΡΡ-ΡΠ΅ΠΊΡ€Π΅Ρ‚Π°Ρ€ΡŒ ΠΏΡ€Π΅Π·ΠΈΠ΄Π΅Π½Ρ‚Π° БША Π¨ΠΎΠ½ БпайсСр сообщил, Ρ‡Ρ‚ΠΎ Π‘Π΅Π»Ρ‹ΠΉ Π΄ΠΎΠΌ рассчитываСт Π½Π° Π²ΠΎΠ·Π²Ρ€Π°Ρ‰Π΅Π½ΠΈΠ΅ ΠšΡ€Ρ‹ΠΌΠ° Π£ΠΊΡ€Π°ΠΈΠ½Π΅

Reading time 5 minutes

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What happened?

On 14 February during a briefing press Secretary of the President of the United States Sean Spicer said that Donald trump is counting on the return of Crimea to Ukraine: “President trump has made it clear: he expects the Russian government will deal with the de-escalation of violence in Ukraine and return the Crimea”.

Later that same day, Donald trump posted the following tweet: “Russia took Crimea under the Obama administration. Was Obama too soft on Russia?”

Tweet Donald trump
a Tweet by Donald trump

It is worth Recalling that during the election campaign on 1 August 2016 Donald trump, speaking to supporters in Ohio, said the attempt to take away the Crimean Peninsula could lead to the beginning of World war III. During his speech, trump also stressed the fact that the Crimea was taken when the US presidency was occupied by Barack Obama.

draw

Press Secretary of Russian President Dmitry Peskov (RT quote): “with regard to the return of the Crimea, this topic will not be discussed, because it cannot be discussed. Russia does not discuss issues related to its territory, with foreign partners. The President of Russia very patiently and consistently explained to its partners and interlocutors the reasons that led to the fact that Crimeans decided to seek protection from Russia and become part of it”

The representative of the Russian foreign Ministry Maria Zakharova (quoted by the “Moskovsky Komsomolets”): “my territory is not returned. Crimea is the territory of the Russian Federation”.

Speaker of the state Duma Vyacheslav Volodin (quoted by “Interfax”): “Let us stop talking, discussing the various statements in relation to the Crimea. Crimea is part of Russia. And any talk of who is to disposition of our territory, and the Crimea is part of Russia, is an attack on our integrity, on our territory. Don’t need this topic to raise. Some press Secretary said something… Look, someone else say something”.

Alexey chepa, Chairman of the state Duma international Affairs (quote by “MK”): “Russia will stick to its own national interests.”

Leonid Slutsky, the head of the Duma Committee on international Affairs (quoted by “RIA Novosti”): “the Resignation of Flynn and statements to the press Secretary of the President, including the fact that Russia must “return the Crimea”, show that the inertial flywheel, promoted in Washington against Russia, yet not stopped.”

Reaction of Ukraine

In Kiev, a statement from Washington was perceived very positively. Press Secretary of the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko has issued the following comment in social networks (quote on “Apostrophes”): “Good statement. Russia should return the Crimea”.

Earlier, the leader of Ukrainian party of people’s front Arseniy Yatsenyuk (quote by Apostrophe): “This is an important step of the new American administration, which reflects the consistent support of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine”.

What said about Crimea in the USA

Secretary of state Rex Tillerson January 11, 2017: “We should clearly look at its relations with Russia. Russia is a threat, but action to achieve their own interests can be predicted. She invaded the Ukraine and took Crimea. Supported by the Syrian forces, which violate the rules of war. Our allies in NATO is right when they fear gaining strength Russia”.

US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley February 3, 2017:”the United States continues to condemn the occupation of the Crimea by Russia and demand its immediate cessation. Crimea β€” part of Ukraine. Our sanctions against Russia connected with the Crimea will remain in force as long as Russia does not regain control over the Peninsula”.

Historical background
    • the

    • April 8, 1783 Catherine II signed the Manifesto on annexation to the Russian power in the Crimean Peninsula.

the

    • 19 February 1954, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR transferred the Crimean oblast from the Russian Federation to the Ukrainian SSR.

the

  • the Crimea joined the Russian Federation after the referendum, which was conducted in the spring of 2014.

Stood up for the honor

ВячСслав Π’ΠΎΠ»ΠΎΠ΄ΠΈΠ½ выступил Π·Π° принятиС Π·Π°ΠΊΠΎΠ½Π° ΠΎ Π·Π°Ρ‰ΠΈΡ‚Π΅ чСсти Π³Π»Π°Π²Ρ‹ государства

Reading time 6 minutes

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What happened?

Chairman of the State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin supported the idea of a law that would protect the President from insults. The proposal on 13 February in Kazan was made by one of the students of Innopolis University. According to Volodina now this issue is not urgent, however, requires consideration, because the institution of the presidency “we need to protect.”

What caused the idea?

According to student Alexander Dolgoborodov, in the press felt the “information reel” on Vladimir Putin, so the question of the punishment of insults to the head of state is becoming increasingly important. The speaker of the State Duma agreed with this statement, and said that such laws have been adopted in many countries. Russia, according to Volodina, the country “more democratic, more open”.

Reaction of the Kremlin
Press-Secretary Dmitry Peskov
Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov

statement press Secretary of President Dmitry Peskov, the question of the introduction of the law “requires study” and study of “international experience”. Open insults to the President’s press Secretary believes to be invalid, but “to a balanced and intelligent criticism of” the President, according to Peskov, is “quite constructive”.

The Experience of other countries

Speaking of “international experience,” Vyacheslav Volodin referred in the USA, where a “simple sayings” to the former President Barack Obama’s “four people received serious sentences β€” two and a half years of prison”.

Laws to protect the honor of heads of countries and in several European countries. For example, in Poland for insulting remarks about the President can land you in jail for up to 3 years. In Germany and Holland harsher the punishment – from 3 months to 5 years. Denmark is also practised, but in this country the punishment depends on who is offended: for example, if it is a woman, the punishment would be more severe.

However, the most susceptible to insults against heads of state are the Eastern countries. In Turkey you can not offend not only the current leader of the country, but also the first President Kemal Ataturk. But if Turkey violators a maximum will be imprisoned in Iran, who insulted the head of state, could be sentenced to 74 lashes.

As it is now protected by the Russian President?

The criminal code includes article 319, “insulting a representative of authority”, violation of which provides “the penalty to 40 000 roubles,” or up to 1 year of correctional labor. Vladimir Putin, these articles do not blame anyone. However, in may 2006 the Ivanovo Prosecutor’s office opened a criminal case against the chief editor of the Internet publication Kursiv, found in the article “Putin as phallic symbol of Russia” insults to the head of state. As a result, the newspaper was closed, condemned an international organization “reporters without borders”.

Article in "Moscow correspondent"
an article in the “Moscow correspondent”

In 2008, the heads of the newspaper “Moscow correspondent” announced the suspension of the publication. Officially the newspaper was closed because of the loss, however, many doubt the veracity of this version, since the closure of the newspaper took place immediately after the publication of the article about the upcoming wedding of Vladimir Putin and gymnast Alina Kabaeva. The head of the holding “national media company” Alexander Lebedev has called the speculation of journalists “nonsense”, however, the employee of the newspaper Lev Ryzhkov so described the events of that day: “To the editor included some in civilian clothes. Great big big redneck… the time of the withdrawal of our editor-in-chief, I watched with my own eyes… and Then the editor came back… was quite scared.”

In January 2015, a resident of St. Petersburg Alexander Sursis tried to sue the protesters, who shouted obscene insults at the President. Representatives of the Ministry of interior have not found this behavior “nothing illegal“, so the statement of St Petersburg was rejected.

Expert’s opinion

The head of the Council on human rights Mikhail Fedotov he said that it is ready to support the idea, but with one condition – the case is to be initiated “only at the request of the victim”, otherwise it would be contrary to the Constitution, which proclaims the equality of citizens.

According to member of the Communist party Sergei Obukhov, first you need to “perform legal practice.” He also noted that, following this logic, it is necessary to adopt the law “on protection of honor of the Deputy of the state Duma”.

What else to read?

the

the

the

The most patriotic day

6 августа ΠΌΠΎΠΆΠ΅Ρ‚ ΡΡ‚Π°Ρ‚ΡŒ Π”Π½Π΅ΠΌ ΠΏΠ°Ρ‚Ρ€ΠΈΠΎΡ‚ΠΈΠ·ΠΌΠ°

Reading time 7 minutes

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What happened?
Vladimir Aristarkhov
Vladimir Aristarkhov

The first Deputy of the Ministry of culture of the Russian Federation Vladimir Aristarkhov announced that the Agency has considered the initiative to establish in Russia a Day of patriotism “worthy of attention”. This is stated in the letter addressed to the Chairman of the Duma Committee on defense Vladimir Shamanov. Aristarkhov also drew attention to possible financial constraints on the part of the budget of the country and indicated the need for further discussion of the initiative:

“The mentioned issue shall be considered as a subject to wide public comment and conduct a historical and chronological assessment of the Russian Academy of Sciences”

What’s the idea of a holiday?

The proposal to declare August, 6th as a Day of patriotism was sent in the state Duma on 14 November 2016. The author – Rahman Anshukov, President of the Association of entrepreneurs for the development of the business patriotism, “Avanti” – not only prepared the draft of the law, but also amounted to an explanatory note to justify the need for the establishment of the feast.

Rahman Anukov
Rahman Anshukov

It states that the introduction of anti-russian sanctions, the purpose of which was the violation of the economic stability of the country, has had the opposite effect. The policy of import substitution was very effective countermeasure, to unite the citizens of Russia in the struggle for economic independence, “which was a real expression of patriotism in difficult conditions of constant political and economic pressure”.

The main role in the fight against sanctions, according to Anshukov, was played by the RF presidential decree dated 6 August 2014 “On application of certain special economic measures to ensure security of the Russian Federation”. Thanks to him, “business patriots” found the strength to move forward and to resist anti-russian policy of the West:

“The Establishment of a new memorable date August 6, the anniversary of the adoption of the decree of the President of Russia, will perpetuate the manifestation of unity within the country, which helped to meet the internal growth external pressure”

Reactions

Even at the time of making proposal to establish a Day of patriotism this holiday has undergone massive criticism. Internet users have used all your sense of humor in order to beat as the title of the new “Victory day” and the purpose of its introduction:

Ρ‚Π²ΠΈΡ‚1
This victory day smells like palm oil (re-write of russian song, can’t be translated)
Patriotic Day is too much though. But we can call it whether Galore Day or Healthy food Day (cabbage, turnip, whatever else is russian)
Vitaly Milonov
Vitaly Milonov

In the state Duma, however, the initiative met no resistance. Deputy Vitaly Milonov has fully supported the idea of establishing a day of patriotism, noticing that mark it is possible and without the usual foreign products:

“It used to be Australian, new Zealand, Argentinian meat, but not now. Only Voronezh, Bryansk only. Indeed, the quality is very decent”

“Patriotism Day” in other countries

The only country in which there is a public holiday with the word “patriotism” in the name, is United States. One of his first decrees Donald Trump announced the day of his inauguration – January 20 – as National day of patriotism. Special piquancy of the situation makes that in the USA even before Trump, there were two public holiday with a similar name: Patriot’s Day is celebrated on 11th November across the country in memory of the victims of the terrorist attack of 2001 and Patriot Day – April 19 in the States of Massachusetts, Wisconsin and Maine commemorating the first battles of the war of independence.

expert Opinion for the HIT-Media
Vasily Abashkin
Vasily Abashkin, senior expert, candidate of economic Sciences, HSE

“I think, to maintain national unity just one occasion. August 6, in my opinion, the date is artificial, opportunistic and politicized that nothing, no one, apart from some individuals, not associated.

Besides, if it be considered as a geopolitical response to Trump, as a flawed attempt. No value added, that is good, I do not see this”

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Additional information:

 

Out with “deuce”

Π“Π»Π°Π²Π° Бурятии ВячСслав Наговицын досрочно ΡƒΡˆΠ΅Π» Π² отставку

Reading time 8 minutes

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the Head of Buryatia Vyacheslav Nagovitsyn gave the President his resignation, reports “Interfax”. Of his intention not to run for a third term, he told reporters at a press conference. “But the situation suggests that the Republic needs a change. And although my powers end only in may, I wrote a statement now,” β€” said Nagovitsyn. The position of head of the Republic he has held since may 2012. Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to accept the resignation and has appointed temporarily fulfilling duties of the head of Buryatia Deputy transport Minister Alexei Tzudenova. Press Secretary Nagovitsyna called the resignation a “surprise to everybody.”

Earlier, on Sunday, February 5, “Vedomosti” said about the possible dismissal of seven heads of regions, among which were listed Vyacheslav Nagovitsyn. Note that the direct election of the heads of 14 regions will be held in 2017.

Following a friend

the day before the resignation Nagovitsyna, February 6, on early resignation was announced by the Governor of Perm region Viktor Basargin. He stressed that he considers “necessary to address to the President” with his resignation. Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree appointed acting head of the Moscow Department of economic policy and development Maxim Reshetnikov.

the source of the TV channel “Rain” called the reason for the resignation, the permanent inter-elite conflicts in the Perm region, which did not suit the presidential Administration. The post of Perm territory Governor Basargin has held since may 2012.

Commenting on the series of resignations, the press Secretary of the President of Russia Dmitry Peskov said that the Kremlin has a long “bench” for public office. He also said that the government does not in their choice rate to the representatives of any of the units, but chooses as a squad of young and energetic politicians.

screenshots

on Monday 12 December, the Fund “Petersburg policy” together with the holding “Minchenko consulting” have presented the rating of political survival rate governors, according to which eight chapters and regions may lose their posts. The governors were evaluated on a scale of one to five, with five being the highest. Vyacheslav Nagovitsyn in ranking is ranked “two”, and Viktor Basargin β€” “two plus”. At risk are the head of the Oryol and Nizhny Novgorod regions, also received “two”. In the top of the ranking by the head of the Chechen Republic Ramzan Kadyrov, President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov.

In 2015, two governors of the three, received the rating of political survival mark two, have left their positions. The rankings take into account the term of office of the governors, the economic results of the work, the image in the region, and other criteria.

the Rating of political survival
  • “five”: Rustam Minnikhanov (Tatarstan), Ramzan Kadyrov (Chechnya)
  • “five with a minus”: Alexander Drozdenko (Leningrad oblast), Alexei Dyumin (Tula oblast), Sergey Sobyanin (Moscow), Dmitry Ovsyannikov (Moscow).
  • Rating “b+”: Sholban Kara-ool (Tuva), Oleg Kozhemyako (Sakhalin oblast), Ihor Rodina (Tver region), Vladimir Yakushev (Tyumen region), Dmitry Kobylkin (Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous district).
  • Rating “four”: Alexander Berdnikov (Altai Republic), Yuri Kokov (Kabardino-Balkaria), Alexei Orlov (Kalmykia), Rashid Temrezov (Karachay-Cherkessia), Sergei Gaplikov (Komi), Yegor Borisov (Sakha), Vyacheslav Bitarov (North Ossetia), Alexander Soloviev (Udmurtia), Natalia Zhdanova (Zabaykalsky Krai), Viktor Tolokonsky (Krasnoyarsk Krai), Vladimir Vladimirov (Stavropol territory), Svetlana Orlova (Vladimir oblast), Anton Alikhanov (Kaliningrad region), Anatoly Artamonov (Kaluga region), Igor Vasiliev (Kirov oblast), Alexey Kokorin (Kurgan oblast), Marina Kovtun (Murmansk region), Yury Berg (Orenburg oblast), Ivan Belozertsev (Penza region), Vasily Golubev (Rostov oblast), Alexander Nikitin (Tambov oblast), Sergey Morozov (Ulyanovsk region), Dmitri Mironov (Yaroslavl oblast), Alexander Levintal (Jewish Autonomous oblast), Roman Kopin (Chukotka Autonomous Okrug), Sergey Aksyonov (Crimea).
  • Evaluation of “b-minus”: Yunus-Bek Yevkurov (Ingushetia), Vladimir Volkov (Mordovia), Mikhail Ignatiev (Chuvashia), Vladimir Ilyukhin (Kamchatka Krai), Veniamin Kondratiev (Krasnodar region), Vyacheslav Shport (Khabarovsk Krai), Alexander Zhilkin (Astrakhan region), Evgenie Savchenko (Belgorod region), Alexander Bogomazov (Bryansk region), Alexey Gordeev (Voronezh oblast), Sergey Levchenko (Irkutsk oblast), Alexander Mikhailov (Kursk oblast), Oleg Korolev (Lipetsk oblast), Vladimir Pechyony (Magadan oblast), Igor Koshin (Nenets Autonomous Okrug).
  • assessment of the “three plus”: Alexander Karlin (Altai Krai), Vladimir Miklushevsky (Primorye), Oleg Kuvshinnikov (Vologda oblast), Sergey Sitnikov (Kostroma region), Andrey Vorobyev (Moscow oblast), Victor Nazarov (Omsk region).
  • Evaluation of three: Aslan Tkhakushinov (Adygea), Rustem Khamitov (Bashkortostan), Ramazan Abdulatipov (Dagestan), Leonid Markelov (Mari El Republic), Victor Zimin (Khakassia), Alexander Kozlov (Amur region), Igor Orlov (Arkhangelsk region), Andrey Bocharov (Volgograd oblast), Paul Skates (Ivanovo oblast), Aman Tuleyev (Kemerovo oblast), Oleg Kovalev (Ryazan oblast), Alexei Ostrovsky (Smolensk oblast), Boris Dubrovsky (Chelyabinsk oblast), Natalia Komarova (Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug).
  • Evaluation of “three-minus”: Alexander Khudilainen (Karelia), Sergey Mitin (Novgorod region), Vladimir Gorodetsky (Novosibirsk oblast), Sergey Zhvachkin (Tomsk oblast), Georgy Poltavchenko (Saint-Petersburg).
  • evaluation of the “two plus”: Viktor Basargin (Perm Krai), Andrei Turchak (Pskov region), Nikolay Merkushkin (Samara oblast), Valeriy Radaev (Saratov region), Yevgeny Kuyvashev (Sverdlovsk oblast).
  • Score “two”: Vyacheslav Nagovitsyn (Buryatia), Valery Shantsev (Nizhny Novgorod region), Vadim Potomsky (Oryol oblast).
the experts

the Director of the Institute of political studies Sergei Markov specially to Hit.Media:

Sergei Markov
Sergei Markov

“In these permutations has no great political sense. Rotation of governors is slowly. If will be replaced by three governors, three months, twelve new governors per year. So, the governors will change every eight years. This is a normal routine work. Looking at the figures. Who is worse who is better.

If to speak about the role of governors in Russian politics, from the Federal point of view, it is minimal, we still have centralized power. At the same time at their level, the governors have a very strong influence on the lives of ordinary people β€” for example, the transfer of St. Isaac’s Cathedral in St. Petersburg sanctioned personally Poltavchenko.

as for the rumors of impending reshuffle of the governors of Karelia, Novgorod, Ryazan and other areas, they are quite real. These regions are in distress. However, it is a natural process”.

What happened after

Governor of Novgorod region Sergey Mitin, 13 Feb announced early termination of powers, reports “Interfax”. He also refused to participate in elections in 2017.

Recall that the name of Sergei Mitin appeared in “Vedomosti”.

What to read

the

 

It’s time to share the Church?

ΠŸΠ΅Ρ€Π΅Π΄Π°Ρ‡Π° ИсаакиСвского собора РПЦ: Π±Π΅Π· спонсоров Π½Π΅ ΠΎΠ±ΠΎΠΉΡ‚ΠΈΡΡŒ

Reading time 4 minutes

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About the reasons of public debate, which led to the decision of the St. Petersburg authorities to transfer to St. Isaac’s Cathedral Russian Orthodox Church for free use for 49 years, says the experts of the talk show “To the point”: the Dean of St. Filaret Orthodox-Christian Institute, Father George Kochetkov, art historian, Professor of St.-Filaret Orthodox-Christian Institute Alexander Koprowski and Professor of cultural studies at the Higher school of economy journalist Jan Levchenko.

Alexander Koprowski sure that the information noise around the St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Russian Orthodox Church – “thing is artificial, when in a certain place you need to throw a grenade, distracting from other issues”. In this story, in his opinion, the main issue is moral: if it’s a working temple, its main function is to be a place of prayer.

Father George drew attention to the foreign experience: “For the Museum – Museum premises. The temple must be the temple. Thus with one another can be combined. This practice is common around the world and worked for a long time. To me it is strange that here there are any conflicts.”

Yan Levchenko believes that the controversy around Isaac requires a balanced positions on both sides:

“This conflict can raise issues that previously were resolved either automatically or at the level of “who’s who”.

One of the main issues is money. The Ministry of culture expects that the cost of Isaac would take on a new owner, and the ROC is waiting for state subsidies “in the framework of the programme”.

Father George is confident that funds for the maintenance of the memorial Church will only come from the public pocket:

“There are no Other options and should not be. Society and the state are interested in the preservation of cultural monuments. If you want it to be a cultural phenomenon and not just a cult – pay. And this is absolutely normal”.

Alexander Koprowski sees no drama in the material in question:

“These things are very easy to find the money. Any millionaire donating to Isaac, not to be afraid that someone the money to drag”.

Yan Levchenko urged to consider the situation as a “show” act, which should serve as a reason for the decision of the accumulated differences between the active cultural community and Church:

“The Situation may not be the same because of its ambiguity. Need not about the specific St. Isaac’s Cathedral to think, and to perceive that this conflict is representative of the unfolding public debate on the topic, what to do with the relationship of Church and state”.

Full version

Talk show “To the point” comes out in the spring of 2016 as an educational student project at the faculty of communication, media and design, Higher school of Economics.

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And gave gifts with Royal generosity…(Esf 2:18)

Russian Academy of Sciences has recognized homeopathy pseudoscience

Β«ΠœΠ°Π³ΠΈΡ‡Π΅ΡΠΊΠΈΠ΅Β» лСкарства исчСзнут ΠΈΠ· Π°ΠΏΡ‚Π΅ΠΊ ΠΈ ΠΈΠ· ΠΏΡ€ΠΎΠ³Ρ€Π°ΠΌΠΌ мСдицинских Π²ΡƒΠ·ΠΎΠ²

Reading time 7 minutes

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What happened?

The Commission to combat pseudoscience and falsification of scientific research of the RAS Presidium made a statement that homeopathy has no scientific basis, and homeopathic remedies useless to human health. The Commission noted the harm of homeopathy, because instead of treating the traditional methods people buy diluted drugs, which can lead to complications of the disease or death. In his Memorandum, the authors give some advice to the Ministry of health and the Federal Antimonopoly service (FAS) regarding homeopathy and homeopathic remedies. In particular, experts from the Commission of the RAS insist that the Ministry of health should withdraw from the market homeopathic medicines in public health facilities, and the FAS should deal with the false advertising of homeopathy, which misleads buyers. Despite the fact that the recommendations in the document is not binding, the FAS has supported the Memorandum.

What is homeopathy?
Hahnemann, Christian Friedrich Samuel
Hahnemann, Christian Friedrich Samuel

Homeopathy a form of alternative medicine that involves using highly diluted medicines. The basis of homeopathy is the theory of a German doctor H. C. F. Hahnemann. He believed that large doses of medication that causes the same symptoms as the disease that can harm humans. So Hahnemann in the treatment used highly diluted drugs which, in the opinion of a German doctor, retained their healing properties.

Homeopathy in Russia

In Russia doctors-homeopaths began to appear in the nineteenth century. By the mid-nineteenth century homeopathy has achieved wide distribution throughout the Russian Empire, were translated foreign works on homeopathy, as well as opened the first homeopathic pharmacy.

In the USSR, homeopathy has been condemned by scholars who identified the healing properties of homeopathic remedies. Therefore, in 1968 he published an order prohibiting the to teach homeopathy to publish books on homeopathy and use homeopathic remedies.

Only after the collapse of the Soviet Union homeopathy has once again become available to citizens and was resolved at the legislative level.

What preceded the Memorandum of wounds
Asya Kazantseva
Asya Kazantseva

In October 2016 in the magazine “Around the world” was published the article “Dissolved magic.” Author Asya Kazantsev noted that homeopathy does not carry any benefit for human health and is completely useless academic discipline. “National Council for homeopathy” submitted to the journal to court. The members of the society demanded refutation of the article ASI Kuznetsova, but the court rejected their claim.

In January 2017 the students of the First Moscow state medical University named after Sechenov published the petition, which asked the Minister of health of Russia Veronika Skvortsova be excluded from the curriculum of the discipline “fundamentals of homeopathy.” According to students, the subject discreditied the strongest University in the country, and introduces students astray.

The Commission to combat pseudoscience and falsification of scientific research of the RAS Presidium is working to identify pseudoscience and pseudoscientific publications, which discrediting the scientific community. The Committee consists of doctors of Sciences, academicians and corresponding members of Russian Academy of Sciences. In addition to the Memorandum of homeopathy on the website, you can find another Memorandum about Dermatoglyphic test (determination of person’s predisposition to set of diseases on fingerprints), which refers to the lack of scientific evidence behind this method.

Expert’s Opinion

The head of Department for control over social sphere and trade FAS Timofey Nizhegorodtsev in an interview with TASS:

Timofey Nizhegorodtsev
Timofey Nizhegorodtsev

“We fully support the decision of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Believe it to be correct, precise, long-awaited”

 

Professor, Department of normal physiology First MSMU n. a. I. M. Sechenov Oleg Glazachev, especially for Hit.media:

Oleg Glazachev
Oleg Glazachev

“No proven effects of homeopathic preparations on the basis of these studies, therefore, to understand and accept the possibility of the use of homeopathic globules, besides placebo, you can’t. If you say that homeopathy runs some processes in the body that we need any incentive, financial media, his in homeopathy is not. As for the reaction of the Ministry of health, the initiative for the ban, obviously, is impractical, and a more broad and reasoned public awareness, physicians are not emotionally, but factually it will be useful! And once again need to revise all the lessons learned, including the international”.

 

Professor, national research UNIVERSITY “Higher school of Economics” Vasily Vlasov “Medusa”:

Vasily Vlasov
Vasily Vlasov

“Homeopathy is a pseudoscience: it not only gives noticeable effects, she still cannot give a definition. And now poor people and the rich spend a lot of money on homeopathy. One of the reasons that homeopathy is ideologically successful project: it offers some theoretical scheme, which can be read, to understand, and for people not familiar with science, it all looks very convincing. So people are buying it and give their money. I think homeopathy as a healing option can exist for very long. Big trouble in this, let there be the same as now continue to be other types of magic.”

Expelled for success?

ЕвропСйский унивСрситСт, Π»ΠΈΡˆΠ΅Π½Π½Ρ‹ΠΉ Π»ΠΈΡ†Π΅Π½Π·ΠΈΠΈ Π² Π΄Π΅ΠΊΠ°Π±Ρ€Π΅, оказался срСди Π»ΠΈΠ΄Π΅Ρ€ΠΎΠ² Ρ€Π΅ΠΉΡ‚ΠΈΠ½Π³Π° ΠœΠΈΠ½ΠΎΠ±Ρ€Π½Π°ΡƒΠΊΠΈ

Reading time 6 minutes

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European University in Saint-Petersburg took the first place for research activities official monitoring effectiveness of universities in 2016, ahead of Moscow University “Stankin”, MIET, Moscow, MEPhI and Saint Petersburg ITMO. In addition, he was on the first line on financial-economic indicators. Total monitoring of the Ministry of education takes into account 70 criteria.

At the moment the leadership of the European University challenges the decision of the service’s revocation of a license in the Moscow Arbitration court. The court plans to consider the appeal in February 2017.

Recall that the University lost its license for late certification of employees and a shortage of teachers in the faculties of political science and sociology.

What had gone before

Check at the European University started as the result of complaints Vitaly Milonov in the U.S. attorney’s office in July 2016. They talked about the lack in an educational institution infirmary, illegal remodeling of the building, and grants in foreign currency. The University called the complaint about. During the inspection the service found a number of violations, including the lack of sports facilities. Over the next few months the European University were sent reports on their fix, however, was not adopted. 14 Oct Rosobrnadzor decided to stop accepting applicants.

On 13 December, the Moscow Arbitration court has suspended the decision of the service’s revocation of a license. Classes at the University resumed.

The authorities of St.-Petersburg also have a claim to the European University. 23 January, they filed a lawsuit for termination of the lease agreement with the University in connection with violation of order of protection of culture monuments, the University occupies a historic mansion at the address Gagarin street, house 3.

the Facade of the European University
the Facade of the European University

On 12 December at the Paris Sorbonne University rally in support of the European University. It was attended by the graduates and students of the University, as well as professors and other professionals. The participants demanded the return selected license.

a Rally in support of EY in Paris
the Rally in support of EY in Paris
Monitoring the effectiveness of universities

The Ministry of education and science carries out monitoring of the national universities 2012 by the decree of the President of the Russian Federation. The reason was low quality of education mainly in private schools. The results of monitoring underperforming schools Rosobrnadzor checks, which confirms or denies this information. The University has 9 months to improve the performance, in the event of default provisions of his reorganize or close.

Small Europe

European University in Saint-Petersburg was founded in 1994. It is one of the most famous and prestigious Russian universities and was created in contrast to traditional public education. The University was one of the few research universities in the 90-ies and implemented the principle of mixed participation in the governance of the University.

The University is on a private basis without state guardianship. He became the only educational institution included in the top 100 European centers of political science at the London school of Economics.

In the summer of 2015, Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed to support European University in the further development.

Not the first victim

European University in Saint-Petersburg is not the only school who was disbarred by decision of the service. The HAZE has also faced problems as a result of actions of the Federal service. At the request of Rosobrnadzor was denied accreditation for the specialty “Economy and management” and “Service and tourism”. Students these areas promised to provide translations in other universities in the same specialty according to the statement. The situation was complicated by the lack of special faculties in the direction of “Service and tourism” at other institutions.

Many students was displeased the sudden decision of the service. They argued that the leadership of the University announced on the withdrawal of accreditation in advance. In addition, students were concerned about the possible loss of the diploma and forced conscription.

Expert’s opinion

The Deputy of Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg Boris Vishnevsky in an interview with “Novaya Gazeta”:

“the European University hate as “a hotbed of free thought”. This is the place where I teach people with a point of view, very different from the official”.

 

Rector of the European University Oleg Kharkhordin in an interview with “Kommersant”:

“We do not understand why a routine situation check of the service was extraordinary. We think that it is necessary to return back to its normal boring state.”

 

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What else to read?

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Payment rejected

ΠšΠΎΠ½ΡΡ‚ΠΈΡ‚ΡƒΡ†ΠΈΠΎΠ½Π½Ρ‹ΠΉ суд Π Π€ ΠΏΡ€ΠΈΠ·Π½Π°Π» Ρ€Π΅ΡˆΠ΅Π½ΠΈΠ΅ ЕвропСйского суда ΠΏΠΎ ΠΏΡ€Π°Π²Π°ΠΌ Ρ‡Π΅Π»ΠΎΠ²Π΅ΠΊΠ° ΠΏΡ€ΠΎΡ‚ΠΈΠ²ΠΎΡ€Π΅Ρ‡Π°Ρ‰ΠΈΠΌ ΠšΠΎΠ½ΡΡ‚ΠΈΡ‚ΡƒΡ†ΠΈΠΈ

Reading time 3 minutes

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What happened?

Today, January 19, the Constitutional court of the Russian Federation ended its session at the European court of human rights on the payment to former shareholders of YUKOS in the amount of €1,866 billion. The Court considered the judgment of 31 July 2014 and came to the conclusion that it cannot be performed by Russia, as its content is contrary to the Constitution of the country.

The Essence of the issue

In the summer of 2014, the former shareholders of Yukos filed a lawsuit in the European court of human rights to reimburse their costs from the liquidation of the company. The ECHR, despite the protest of the Russian side, satisfied the demands of the plaintiffs and ruled that Russia should pay € 1.86 billion in damages to the victims. The following appeal of the Ministry of justice of the Russian Federation was rejected.

The Ministry of justice questioned the possibility of the execution of judgments of the ECHR and filed the constitutional court to review the decision of the European court for conformity with the Constitution. The meeting was scheduled for January 19, and, contrary to fears of sceptics, ended on time.

Announcing the results, Chairman Valery Zorkin said that the enforcement of the ECHR decision is impossible. According to the court, decisions of international courts should not contradict the provisions of the Constitution. Zorkin also said that Russia has the right to partially satisfy the claims of former shareholders of Yukos within the framework of “goodwill”, however, means for this cannot be taken from the budget of the Russian Federation.

The authorities

The first Deputy Chairman of the Duma Committee on state building and law Mikhail Emelyanov called the constitutional court’s decision “completely natural”. The MP also noted that most ECHR decisions have political overtones, that casts doubt on the impartiality of the Western Themis:

“The YUKOS Case” and “the law of Dima Yakovlev” areΒ sensational cases, as they affect the interests of many people, but there are less high profile case, which is also seen the political partisanship of the ECHR

The official Kremlin refused to comment on the decision of the COP, leaving judicial matters in it’sΒ jurisdiction. However, the press Secretary of the President Dmitry Peskov said that Russia will continue to protectΒ its interests in international law.

Additional information:

 

Hackers in uniform

РоссийскиС кибСрвойска вошли Π² пятёрку Π»ΠΈΠ΄Π΅Ρ€ΠΎΠ²

Reading time 4 minutes

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What’s going on?

The Russian company Zecurion Analytics has put Russia in 5th place in the world in terms of development cyberarmies, reported by “Kommersant”. According to analysts, in the public cyberscribe Russia there are about 1 thousand hackers. Every year, their contents may be given approximately $ 300 million. The undisputed leader here are the United States with the cost of the military establishment on cybersphere approximately $ 7 billion and the number of staff is about 9 thousand. Russia is inferior not only to the leader, but also China, the UK and South Korea.

the countries with the highest costs cyberarmy (according to Zecurion)

Main activity of cyberarmies, according to the company Zecurion Analytics are information warfare, cyber attacks and espionage. All such troops are legal in dozens of countries, unofficially, more than one hundred.

Can Anyone confirm?

Commenting on the publication “Kommersant”, the Deputy head of the Ministry of communications of the Russian Federation Alexey Volin noted that “We [Ministry of communications] about cyberarmy don’t know”. Recall that in 2014 in the composition of the defense Ministry of the Russian Federation troops emerged information operations, responsible for protecting military systems from cyber terrorism. The decision on creation of cyberarmies, according to Vesti.Ru was made after the revelations of Edward Snowden.

And then Obama and Trump?

Cyber attacks have become one of the most discussed topics in the winter of 2016. On 29 December, the outgoing US President Obama announced a new package of sanctions against Russia, citing the involvement of Russian hackers in the election campaign of America. On 6 January US intelligence presented the unclassified version of the report about Russian intervention. According to the document Vladimir Putin ordered to prevent the victory of Hillary Clinton over election trump. In addition, the report stated that the Russia Today TV channel has been working with the famous website WikiLeaks.

January 9, the Kremlin responded to the statement of us intelligence, saying that Moscow was not involved in the attacks, which it blames Washington. Press Secretary of the President of Russia Dmitry Peskov called the accusations a “witch hunt”. January 10, Viktor Ozerov, the head of the defense Committee of the Federation Council, noted that the information published in the report, is “information spreading”.

In response to accusations of lack of evidence of Moscow’s involvement in the election results in the USA, the official representative of State Department of the USA John Kirby said us intelligence agencies tend to keep secret its working methods.

In addition, the Federal protection service of the German Constitution announced that Russian cyberarmy may relate to the attack on the Organization for security and cooperation in Europe.

Alternative view

Marketing Director Solar Security Valentin Krokhin in an interview with “Kommersant”:

“No country now admits that she makes attacks on information systems of other States. In the Centre of the UK government communications (GCHQ) employs 6 thousand people. How Zecurion Analytics calculate that it is 2 thousand deal with cyber attacks, the big question.”

The list of countries with the most developed cyberpassage according to Valentine Krokhina:

  1. South Korea
  2. Israel
  3. Iran
  4. Estonia

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