IRI Hosts "Power Reforms in Russia" Forum

October 7, 2004

On October 7, 2004, IRI/Russia organized a conference entitled “Power Reforms in Russia: What Are They, and What Is to Be Done.” Following the recent wave of terrorist attacks in Russia, President Putin has proposed a series of sweeping administrative reforms, including the elimination of regional gubernatorial elections in favor of Kremlin appointments. The conference provided a forum for politicians, NGO leaders, and political party representatives to discuss these reforms. Speakers including State Duma Deputies Vladimir Ryzhkov and Sergey Glaziev, as well as prominent political leaders from Yabloko, SPS, New Right, and Free Russia political parties gave presentations on a variety of issues related to the administrative reforms and the future of democracy in Russia. Eighty-five participants representing the major political parties, Russian and international non-governmental organizations and think tanks, Russian and U.S. governmental agencies, and civic coalitions took part in the conference. The conference also attracted significant media attention -- representatives of 33 international news agencies and Russian mass media outlets were in attendance.

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