The Russian Presidency: Formal and Informal Power

Core Concepts

Explores the extensive constitutional and extra-constitutional powers of the Russian President. Focuses on the mechanisms used to create a "superpresidency" and centralize authority, a key feature of Russia's illiberal system.

The Russian Presidency: Formal and Informal Power

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What is a presidential decree (ukaz) in Russia, and why is it a significant source of power?

A presidential decree is an order issued by the president that has the force of law without requiring legislative approval. This power allows the president to bypass the parliament and govern directly, making it a critical tool for consolidating executive authority.

What are the "power ministries" or "siloviki" in Russia?

The 'siloviki' (men of force) are politicians from the security or military services. The term also refers to the agencies they lead, such as the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Internal Affairs (police), and Federal Security Service (FSB), over which the president has direct command.

What is the concept of the "power vertical"?

A term associated with Vladimir Putin, the "power vertical" describes the centralization of state power within the executive branch and the subordination of regional and local governments to direct control from the federal center (the Kremlin).

How does the Russian president control regional leaders?

Since 2004, the president has had the power to appoint and dismiss regional governors. While direct elections were partially restored, a "presidential filter" allows the Kremlin to screen candidates, ensuring regional loyalty and eliminating meaningful opposition.

How does the president influence the judiciary in Russia?

The president nominates all judges for the Constitutional Court and Supreme Court. These nominations are then confirmed by the Federation Council, whose members are themselves dependent on presidential favor, thus ensuring executive control over the judiciary.

What is the Security Council of Russia and what is its role?

The Security Council is a key consultative body chaired by the president. It brings together the heads of the power ministries and other senior officials to coordinate policy on national security and strategic issues, often serving as the real center of decision-making.

How does the president's control over state media contribute to his power?

Control over major television networks allows the Kremlin to shape the political narrative, promote a positive image of the president, discredit opponents, and foster a sense of national unity around the leader, which helps maintain high approval ratings and electoral success.

Explain the "tandemocracy" period between \(2008\) and \(2012\).

This refers to the four-year period when Dmitry Medvedev served as president and Vladimir Putin as prime minister. While Medvedev was the formal head of state, Putin was widely understood to be the ultimate authority, showcasing the informal nature of his power.

How were presidential term limits changed in Russia to extend Putin's rule?

First, the presidential term was extended from \(4\) to \(6\) years in 2008. Then, constitutional amendments in 2020 "reset" Putin's previous terms to zero, allowing him to legally run for president again in \(2024\) and \(2030\), potentially staying in power until \(2036\).

What significant informal power does the Russian president wield over the economy?

The president exerts control over powerful state-owned corporations (like Gazprom) and has significant influence over the country's wealthiest business elites (oligarchs), who depend on the Kremlin's goodwill to protect their assets.

What is the President's constitutional role as Commander-in-Chief?

The President has supreme command of the armed forces of the Russian Federation. This includes the power to appoint the high command, declare martial law or a state of emergency, and order the use of troops both domestically and abroad (with Federation Council approval).

The Russian Presidency: Formal and Informal Power

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