EastWest Institute
Russian Regional Report
Vol. 4, No. 18, 12 May 1999
Russian Cohesion Index: -42 (down 25 this week)
Disintegration............T.........L.......0..............Democratic Federalism
(T = this week; L = last week; 0 = 17 March)
*****See the RRR website (http://www.iews.org/rrrabout.nsf) for a graphic
display of the Russian Cohesion Index since 17 March.*****
----- Yeltsin replaced Prime Minister Yevgenii Primakov with Minister of Internal Affairs Sergei Stepashin. That ministry has been one of the few that has been exerting federal authority in the regions through anti-terrorist campaigns in the North Caucasus and attempts to wipe out corruption elsewhere. In addition to destabilizing politics at the federal level, the appointment will provoke considerable concern among the governors who want to protect the hard-won loosening of central control. The EWI Russian Regional Report will issue a special report on the regional reaction to this news in the next few days. (-25)
----- Belarusan President Aleksandr Lukashenko visited Volgograd during the May holidays as part of his on-going campaign to increase economic ties with Russia and bolster his political image. Increased cross-border trade is good, but Lukashenko's growing political stature in Russia could strengthen dictatorial tendencies. (-1)
----- Regional authorities are cracking down on journalists in preparation for the elections. Still reeling from the economic difficulties caused by the 17 August crisis, many journalists will be less able to maintain any degree of independence. (-1)
+++++ Numerous business deals are moving ahead, from Skoda's plans to assemble cars in Udmurtiya to an Omsk factory's successful attempts to launch satellites into orbit. (+1)
+++++ Candidate Yurii Luzhkov is finding a warm reception in such regions as Rostov. His energy may inspire Russians to make their country strong again. Perhaps this aspect of his leadership will outweigh his less positive features. (+1)