Perspective

 Let's try for a little perspective, here, on the Navalny question.

He was a charmer, but let us not overlook that he was USA educated,

having attended Yale University. His approach and demeanour reflected

that. 'You have no idea how strong you are' is a democratic slogan, from a 

country with a short history. That's what America is like, a lot of people

from a lot of places giving it a go.  

Russia has long history, indeed a pre-history. It is a different place, immense,

resource-rich. It has the most trees of any country on Earth. It has the most fresh 

water. Moscow is the largest city in Europe. And years of oil money

has propelled the country's development. But, there seems to remain some

ambiguity on how it should position itself with respect to other countries.

I never really understood how Russia became 'the enemy' at the close of WW2.

But here we are. By the size of its population and economy, it has way too many

nuclear weapons and spends insane amounts on Defense. By the size of the country's wealth, 

perhaps not enough. There is no metric here.

There is much chagrin over the death of Navalny. I was greatly saddened myself. 

Perhaps a better place should have been made for one of Russia's foreign-educated sons.

He had acquired America's cheery optimism. He died a planetary icon...

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According to Chat/Bing, MIBC 'Moscow-City' and Red Square are 3.1 miles apart by river;

one can travel between the two in 20 minutes by Metro.

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The Hermitage Museum is in St-Petersburg 😏

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The Kremlin and both Houses are open to the public...

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The President of the Russian Federation holds a significant position within the country’s governance. Here are the key aspects of their role:

1. Head of State and Guarantor:

   • The President serves as the head of state and is responsible for upholding the Constitution and safeguarding human and civil rights and freedoms.
   • They symbolize the unity and continuity of the Russian state.

2. Executive Authority:

   • The President executes federal laws and ensures their implementation.
   • They have the authority to appoint federal ministers and members of the judiciary.
   • The President also plays a crucial role in negotiating treaties with foreign powers.

3. Commander-in-Chief:

   • As the supreme commander-in-chief of the Russian Armed Forces, the President oversees the country’s defense and security.

4. Pardons and Reprieves:

   • The President has the power to grant federal pardons and reprieves.
   • This authority allows them to show clemency or reduce sentences.

5. Legislative Role:

   • The President can convene and adjourn the Federal Assembly (which includes the State Duma and the Federation Council) under extraordinary circumstances.
   • They appoint the prime minister, who collaborates on domestic policy alongside the President.

6. Election and Term:

   • The President is elected directly by Russian Federation citizens through a popular vote.
   • The term length is six years, and the President can be reelected once.

In cases where the President is unable to fulfill their duties, those responsibilities are temporarily delegated to the prime minister, who becomes the acting President 12. 🇷🇺🏛️

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The Federal Assembly of Russia serves as the national legislature according to the Constitution of the Russian Federation (1993). It consists of two houses:

1. State Duma:

   • The State Duma is the lower house of the Federal Assembly.
   • Its headquarters are located in central Moscow, near Manege Square.
   • The State Duma replaced the Supreme Soviet of Russia after the Russian constitutional crisis of 1993.
   • Its members are referred to as deputies.
   • The State Duma’s jurisdiction includes various matters such as consent to the appointment of the Chairman of the Government, confidence in the Government, and more 1.
   • Geographically, the State Duma covers the same territory as the entire Russian Federation.

2. Federation Council:

   • The Federation Council is the upper house of the Federal Assembly.
   • It also operates from Moscow.
   • The Chairman of the Federation Council holds a significant position after the President and the Prime Minister.
   • In case both the President and the Prime Minister are incapacitated, the Chairman becomes the Acting President of Russia 1.
   • The Federation Council’s jurisdiction includes approving changes in borders between Russian federal subjects, decisions on martial law or a state of emergency, and more 1.
   • Geographically, the Federation Council covers the same territory as the entire Russian Federation.

In summary, both the State Duma and the Federation Council operate within the same geographical boundaries, representing the diverse regions of Russia. 🇷🇺🏛️