Speaker Of State Duma: Popular-patriotic Union Of Russia Can Be Constructive Opposition To Authorities

The Popular-Patriotic Union of Russia (PPUR) can make constructive opposition to authorities. This opinion was expressed at a press conference Wednesday by Gennadi Seleznev, Speaker of the State Duma [the lower house of parliament] and leader of the Rossiya movement. With what concerns harsh criticism of the President and the Cabinet by some leaders of the Communist Party, Mr. Seleznev emphasized that "rhetoric is one thing and work is quite another." In his opinion, the left-wing opposition "will cooperate with authorities in a constructive manner, opposing them when necessary." Speaking about the future political system in Russia, Seleznev speculated that "powerful pro-government parties and a powerful constructive opposition" would be active in this country. In his answers to journalists' questions, Seleznev said that the Rossiya movement has no intention to turn into a political party. At the same time, he said, "a great deal of our points will be written in the common electoral manifesto of PPUR" The chairman of the lower house declared that he did not intend to participate in the so-called "shadow government," formed by the Communist Party