Russia - Russian Duma's rough start / Vladimir Putin ally Sergei Naryshkin presides Duma as protests continue

Published on Dec 21, 2011 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.net/ A close ally of Vladimir Putin has been elected speaker of Russia's State Duma, at its first sitting since a parliamentary poll critics say was rigged.

Sergei Naryshkin vowed to encourage more debate and compromise in the lower house. His predecessor Boris Gryzlov, also from Putin's party, had said parliament was no place for discussion. He quit amid post-election protests.

While the ruling United Russia party remains dominant, opposition groups like the Communists look set a play a more active part in proceedings.

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Russian Duma's rough start

Published on Dec 21, 2011 by Euronews

http://www.euronews.net/ The elections earlier this month for the new Russian Duma brought ordinary people out in the biggest protests since the breakup of the old Soviet Union. Tens of thousands of Russians condemned the parliamentary elections as having been skewed in favour of the ruling United Russia party. They want a re-run of the elections, and the fighting mood seems to be holding, promising further demonstrations.