European Forum

Duma Speaker and United Russia chairman Gryzlov quits

On Wednesday 14 December 2011, long-time Duma-speaker and stalwart of Putin’s United Russia party Boris Gryzlov announced that he would not take up his parliamentary seat next week, when the Duma starts work in its new, post-election, formation. "I decided today to reject my mandate as a deputy," Gryzlov said in remarks posted on the party's website, adding that it would "not be right to hold the post of chairman of the chamber for more than two consecutive terms." After rigged elections last week, United Russia lost its constitutional majority in the Duma, but it will occupy 238 of the 450 seats in the Russian parliament.

Massive protests against the elections results broke out last week throughout Russia. Footage of election fraud spread over the internet, fuelling demonstrations that called for an end to Putin’s and United Russia’s rule. Analysts believe that Gryzlov, who by many is seen as a representative of Putin’s autocratic governing style, is being laid of to calm the protesters.

Gryzlov will continue to work in a “place to be determined by the President,” according to United Russia’s website. Also, he will stay on as chairman of the supreme council of United Russia.

Sources: AP, CNN, NewsRu, Reuters, RFE/RL, Image.