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The Moscow Times Moscow Guide – Winter 2008

Since the middle of autumn one of the most important topics of discussion, could only be … no, not the financial crisis… New Year! The winter issue of The Moscow Times Moscow Guide is entirely devoted to New Years celebrations. Seven great ideas for celebrating the “Night of Nights” will help readers finalise their plans and choose how and where to party, give fresh ideas and lots of practical advice.

And don’t forget – problems will come by themselves, but happiness and luck need an invitation. That why the more cheerful and light-hearted your celebration of the coming holiday is, the happier and more successful 2009 will be for you.

The Crisis: Signs of a Kremlin Fearful Of Unrest
Sociologist Yevgeny Gontmakher has painted a disturbing picture of what might emerge from the financial crisis, forecasting continued unemployment, huge protests and spreading violence.

Market Matters: Huge Grain Harvest No Boon for Farmers
This year Russia is enjoying the biggest grain harvest it has ever seen -- and farmers couldn't be more worried.



Tuesday, January 06, 2009 Updated at 31 December 2008 22:36 Moscow Time.

The Moscow Times » Issue 4035 » News

Gubernatorial Vote Rejected By Medvedev

20 November 2008IZHEVSK, Urdmurtia -- Dmitry Medvedev has slapped down a rare sign of political dissent within the ruling elite after calls for the restoration of gubernatorial elections.

In a perceived swipe to comments by Mayor Yury Luzhkov, Medvedev said anyone who wanted a return of direct elections for regional heads was welcome to resign immediately.

"I think the current system for giving authority to governors is optimal," Medvedev said Tuesday, referring to the present system allowing the president to effectively hire and fire governors.

"If something does not suit [them] in the current procedure for filling these posts, they can tender their resignations," Medvedev said.

Medvedev did not name any names, but Luzhkov this week called for a return to gubernatorial elections -- in defiance of the Kremlin's clear opposition. "This issue could be reconsidered again now. I would support their reinstatement," Luzhkov said, Interfax reported Monday.

Since the abolition of gubernatorial elections in 2005 under former President Vladimir Putin, there has been almost no dissent from regional leaders against the Kremlin.

Luzhkov was directly elected and was reappointed by Putin last year. He holds the status of a governor because of Moscow's status as a region.