Request for development

Why the middle class should participate in elections

As many observers predicted, 2007 was a politically charged year from the start. And in the next six months, political activity will only increase. “The Other Russia ” is making waves. Its activities are virtual and in the future as fruitless as any attempt to cross right-wing liberals and left-wing radicals. The entire opposition - from Irina Khakamada to A Just Russia - is already intensively building socialism and strives to reshape the economy, putting it on “true social” tracks. It’s hard to imagine, but even the Union of Right Forces, led by the tireless leader of all regional lists Nikita Belykh, managed to “go to the left,” bashfully covering up their betrayal with nods to Europe! Is there any potential for right-wing ideas in Russia at all? And who can implement them?

Let's start with the fact that the years of reforms have led to the emergence of a whole category of people of a new formation who plan for the future, and do not cry over the leveling of the past. It is these people - about 40 million of our fellow citizens - who form the basis of Russia's well-being. They are economically active and have managed to reject paternalistic attitudes. Their distinctive feature is their focus on the personal: personal success, well-being, equal starting opportunities for self-realization. But at the same time, they do not separate their own fate from the fate of the country.

Today they are not shouting about an abstract threat to democracy, but are paying attention to ensuring the equality of everyone before the law - oligarchs, senators, and mayors - as the main postulate of true democracy. The reference points here are Germany, the USA, France and other countries where democratic and judicial institutions are more advanced. This social group also advocates reducing the gap between rich and poor. The logic is simple: the richer the country's population, the less social disruption and more opportunities for growth. For the same reason, they are close to the ideas of modernizing the country and diversifying the economy. Having transformed Russia, we will have something to be proud of in front of our children and grandchildren, because previous generations already had the Great Victory, the first man in space, the creation of the country's industrial base...

And all sensible people, of whom the majority are, need order. It is order, not street marches and palace revolutions. There is order in everything - from the fight against corruption and administrative arbitrariness to normal roads without traffic jams and clean yards with sports grounds.

So, there is a large layer of people who have a clearly expressed social demand for democracy, development, and order. However, who can provide decent political representation to this social group?

I doubt that the current right-wing forces are able to do this. Their shortcomings are known. Firstly, there is no consolidation on this flank, and it is hardly possible: personal ambitions are too strong. There are no new faces, and there are no charismatics among the leaders of the right.

Secondly, there is no common agenda. Human rights issues are becoming the lot of petty radicals who come under the guise of public organizations. It’s clear that there are fewer restrictions and better funding. What remains is the fight against corruption and the environment. But the right-wing opposition has no real levers of influence, and simply criticizing today won’t surprise anyone—they don’t believe it.

Thirdly, the margins of Russian right-wing liberalism have lost their voters. Businesses are inclined to discuss their problems directly with the government and those who can adequately reflect the interests of the business community. He does not need to join another campaign to defend capitalism. The middle class, which includes a professor, a dentist, and a shift supervisor at a modern metallurgical plant, found itself left behind by liberal propaganda. Intensified work with pensioners can help the Union of Right Forces reach 7% in some regions, but it is unlikely to work at the federal level, where the Communists and Socialist-Revolutionaries are actively involved in the tug-of-war, as at the beginning of the last century. Attempts to appeal to young people are leading to failure. The romance of Kasparov and Kasyanov’s rebellion attracts some students, including the possibility of small but easy income. But most guys need clear guarantees of career growth, opportunities for self-realization, and this cannot be achieved from the right.

Crisis of a just cause? No, more like a crisis of right-wing forces. As a result, the public request of the new Russia, which was mentioned above, is addressed to us, to “United Russia”. The sympathies of half of the country's voters, which were clearly demonstrated in the autumn and spring election campaigns in the regions, are converted into a majority in the overwhelming majority of parliaments and executive authorities. A number of important, life-changing projects are being implemented - from supporting cutting-edge industries and innovations to building business schools and modern sports complexes within walking distance.

Thanks to the existing capabilities of our party, its persistent and thoughtful work with the authorities, these programs are translated into concrete actions. This is the promotion of bills to maintain a stable and predictable tax system and the improvement of budget policy. This is the reform of the decaying system of “sharely free” healthcare and the development of local self-government.

A small example: over seven years, the number of taxes in Russia has been reduced from 52 to 15, VAT has been reduced, and turnover taxes, including the notorious sales tax, have been completely eliminated. The implementation of Putin's plan is in full swing - a course towards creating a competitive economy with a “human face”, a course towards revealing the creative and spiritual potential of the nation.

The facts are eloquent. Economic growth rates exceed 6% per year, and the country has already entered the top ten leading countries in terms of GDP. Inflation has dropped to a record level for Russia. The increase in real incomes of the population provoked a real consumer boom, which is fueled by the development of the credit system. People began to plan their future. The foreign economic situation is also favorable. The flagships of Russian business are acquiring assets abroad and entering markets previously closed to them. Credit ratings are rising, and the influx of foreign investment last year exceeded $30 billion. Production and the service sector are growing, and therefore profits, wages, and pensions are growing.

The trends are optimistic, but to continue they require the support of that very “new layer” mentioned above. In a democracy, it usually translates into votes in elections. However, for now, economically active Russians are showing amazing passivity in politics, distancing themselves from fulfilling their civic responsibilities.

It is a mistake to believe that the personal composition of the new Duma is already known, and that the elections are just a decoration. There will be tough competition, and the “invisible hand” of the voter will ensure that the intrigue continues until the very last day. The busyness of business people is understandable. But they should think about what country they will wake up in on December 3, 2007 - the day after the State Duma elections.

I would like to hope that the outcome of the elections will not depend only on fans of “socialist” scenarios and the loose and marginal right-wing opposition, which is unable to resist them. You can't hand over your future to them. The active position of those who share right-wing views can determine a lot. Participation in voting, and simply greater interest in politics, joining public discussions, stimulating rational rather than emotional-populist discussions - this is what is required today from the middle class and business elite. To do this, you just need to put an end to apathy - if you do not go towards politics, then it will come to you on its own, but in the form of consequences. As they say, “think for yourself, decide for yourself - to have it or not to have it.”

Andrey VOROBYEV, head of the Central Election Commission of United Russia