Economist Podcasts Disunited Russia party? Moscow’s elections
Sep 6, 2019
Noah Snyder, The Economist's Russia correspondent, dives into the evolving landscape of Moscow's local elections and the burgeoning opposition against the United Russia party. He discusses how these inconsequential city positions could signal broader public discontent amid political unrest. Meanwhile, James Miles, the China editor, sheds light on the oppressive measures facing the Hui Muslim minority, contrasting these with the plight of Uighurs and exploring the government's strategies to control religious practice in China.
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Moscow Elections as Proxy Battle
- Moscow's local elections for city council seats hold symbolic weight in Russia's political landscape.
- These elections are a proxy battle for Russia's future, as Putin's last term ends in 2024.
Moscow Election Protests
- Protests erupted in Moscow after the Kremlin barred opposition candidates from the local elections.
- Initially peaceful rallies escalated into a larger movement against injustice and for political competition after police crackdowns.
Kremlin's Crackdown Fuels Protests
- The Kremlin responded to initial protests by arresting student activists, opposition leaders, and thousands of protesters.
- The violent arrests and crackdown fueled the protests further, rather than quelling them.