Duma’s spring session opens

A spring session of Russia’s State Duma solemnly opened today in Moscow. Before the summer recess, the deputies will have to consider several important bills, including the Bill of Political Parties, the Labour Code, the Supplement to the Law of the State Anthem, etc. By the way, the opening ceremony started today with the playing of the state anthem to the controversial, although perpetuated by law, music by Soviet composer Aleksandrov. Individual deputies protested by not standing up, for example, Yuli Rybakov representing the Union of Right Forces faction. Moreover, the majority of seats of right-wing factions remained empty while the music was playing.