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United Russia

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United Russia is the dominant ruling political party in the Russian Federation. It functions as the largest political organization in the country. Currently, the party holds 325 seats in the State Duma. This represents 72.22% of the 450 total seats available in that chamber. The party has maintained a parliamentary majority since 2007. Many political scientists describe it as a "party of power." This term suggests the party is built around government authority. It is also called a "big-tent party." This means it brings together many different types of people.

Important political parties of Russia on a left–right spectrum
Important political parties of Russia on a left–right spectrum

The party operates through a massive, multi-layered organizational structure. It maintains regional branches in every subject of the Russian Federation. Beyond regional levels, the party has 2,595 local branches. It also contains 82,631 primary branches for its members. This hierarchy allows the party to reach almost every community. The structure helps the party manage its influence across the vast nation.

Участник Праймериз Голосует в НН
Участник Праймериз Голосует в НН

The history of United Russia began with the merger of several groups. In 1999, a bloc called Unity was created. It was intended to help in the December 1999 Duma elections. This group was supported by Kremlin insiders. They wanted to counter the Fatherland – All Russia (OVR) bloc. OVR was led by Yuri Luzhkov and Yevgeny Primakov. Unity focused on being pragmatic and competent. Sergei Shoigu served as the party leader during its early stages.

Sergey Shoigu
Sergey Shoigu

In 2001, the unification process moved forward. The Unity bloc began merging with the Fatherland and All Russia movements. In July 2001, they held a founding congress as the Union of Unity and Fatherland. On December 1, 2001, the party officially became United Russia. This followed the addition of the Our Home – Russia party. The party's goal was to provide stability. This was important to citizens after a decade of chaotic change.

Logo of the Unity and Fatherland (United Russia, 2001)
Logo of the Unity and Fatherland (United Russia, 2001)

Leadership has shifted many times since the party's creation. Boris Gryzlov became the chairman of the Supreme Council in 2002. He also became the speaker of the State Duma in 2003. During the 2011 elections, Dmitry Medvedev headed the party's electoral list. He was the President of the Russian Federation at that time.

Dmitry Medvedev United Russia Congress September 2011-7
Dmitry Medvedev United Russia Congress September 2011-7

In 2012, Vladimir Putin became the presidential candidate. Although he is not the official leader, he is the de facto leader. This means he is the person who effectively directs the party.

Путин Владимир Владимирович
Путин Владимир Владимирович

United Russia has seen significant political success and shifts in popularity. In the 2007 legislative election, the party's vote share peaked at 64.3%. In the 2003 elections, the party won a constitutional majority. This victory helped Vladimir Putin pass fundamental reforms. These included a 13% flat income tax and new labor market rules. However, the party has seen a decline in popularity in recent years.

Election russia 2007 002
Election russia 2007 002

The party's ideology has often been described as inconsistent. In 2009, it proclaimed Russian conservatism as its official ideology. Despite this, it mostly appeals to pro-Putin and non-ideological voters. The party supports the policies of the current Russian leadership. It has also been successful in the "partization of power." This involves moving more government influence into the party structure. For example, many regional governors are members of United Russia.

Vladimir Putin 15 April 2008-2
Vladimir Putin 15 April 2008-2
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🖼️ Images & Media (28)
File:Logo of the Unity and Fatherland (United Russia, 2001).png
Logo of the Unity and Fatherland (United...
File:Logo of the United Russia (2001-2005).png
Logo of the United Russia (2001-2005).png
File:Election russia 2007 002.jpg
Election russia 2007 002.jpg
File:Dmitry Medvedev 21 November 2009 3.jpg
Dmitry Medvedev 21 November 2009 3.jpg
File:Медведев на XII Съезде.jpg
Медведев на XII Съезде.jpg
File:Dmitry Medvedev United Russia Congress September 2011-2.jpeg
Dmitry Medvedev United Russia Congress...
File:Путин предлагает создать ОНФ 6 мая 2011.JPG
Путин предлагает создать ОНФ 6 мая 2011.JPG
File:Korus Nikolay Vasilyevich Fyodorov 23 june 2010 (crop).jpeg
Korus Nikolay Vasilyevich Fyodorov 23...
File:Inauguration of Aysen Nikolayev (2018-09-27) 01.jpg
Inauguration of Aysen Nikolayev...
File:Участник Праймериз Голосует в НН.JPG
Участник Праймериз Голосует в НН.JPG
File:Moon Jae-in in the Russian State Duma (2018-06-21) 22.jpg
Moon Jae-in in the Russian State Duma...
File:Important political parties of Russia on a left–right spectrum.png
Important political parties of Russia on...

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