A new Russian "public chamber" met for the first time on Saturday aiming to improve ties between officials and society, but failed to sway sceptics who say the other two houses of parliament should be doing that already.
President Vladimir Putin ordered the new chamber as part of a political overhaul after the Beslan hostage siege last September killed 331 people. He envisaged it as becoming a way for the public to keep check on officials, voice opinions and make policy-drafting more transparent.
"They will control any bureaucrats, and if necessary summon them. And these bureaucrats will have to appear and report," Russian newspapers quoted Kremlin ideologue and deputy chief of staff Vladislav Surkov as telling reporters on Friday.
The chamber was part of broad political reform announced by Putin to strengthen the state and improve accountability after the Beslan attack. Corrupt and incompetent officials were blamed with having failed to stop the Chechen raid.
He also abolished direct elections to most state posts, in a move criticised in the West as undermining Russian democracy.
On Friday, the Kremlin announced the first 42 members of the chamber - an assortment of religious leaders, Olympic champions, businessmen, trade unionists and others.
News agencies reported that the members discussed on Saturday who else should be included, since they now have to choose a further 42 people to join their group. They were also reported to have started to plan their course of action.
Surkov said the new chamber, which will have access to secret documents, will oversee and advise on draft laws and resolve disputes between non-governmental organisations, would allow society a role in controlling the government.
Commentators say it merely highlights the problems caused by the Kremlin's domination of the two houses of parliament, which has reduced the State Duma lower house from a lively forum to a predictable talking shop.
Comments
Comments are closed.