Russia's Interim Government Reaches 18-Month Truce Agreement

Strategic Insights -

Russian parliamentary leaders and the interim government, led by President Boris Yeltsin, have reached an 18-month truce agreement aimed at ending the country's economic and political crisis. The agreement would give the administration a chance to stabilize the economy and strengthen its position, while the parliament would retain some influence over key decisions. The pact is seen as a temporary solution until parliamentary elections scheduled for December 1999, with President Yeltsin maintaining control but being required to consult with lawmakers on key issues.

Key Takeaways:

  • The agreement grants President Yeltsin control for 18 months, with the parliament's consent, in exchange for his promises to consult with lawmakers on key issues and not dissolve parliament during this time.
  • The pact was reached after nearly a week of uncertainty about who was in charge of Russia, with President Yeltsin having to go on national television to stress that he would not resign before his term ends in 2000.
  • The Communist leader, Mr. Gennady Seleznyov, expressed mixed feelings about the agreement, saying it could have been tougher, but taking into consideration the multiple factions involved in the State Duma.
  • The agreement aims to provide a reprieve until parliamentary elections scheduled for December 1999, which are expected to give the administration more room to maneuver.
  • The pact does not satisfy the opposition's demand for power-sharing, with President Yeltsin retaining significant control over the government.
  • The State Duma is scheduled to meet today to consider the appointment of Mr. Viktor Chernomyrdin as Prime Minister, with predictions that he will be approved on the first vote.

Statistics:

  • 18 months: The duration of the truce agreement.
  • 7: The number of factions in the State Duma.
  • 3: The number of times the parliament can reject President's candidate for Prime Minister before he is forced to re-nominate, under the current Constitution.
  • 2000: The year when President Yeltsin's term is set to end.
  • 1999: The year when parliamentary elections are scheduled.

Sources:

  • The Russian media, as reported in (no specific date mentioned)
  • Mr. Gennady Seleznyov, speaker of the State Duma, as quoted in (no specific date mentioned)
  • Mr. Viktor Chernomyrdin, acting Prime Minister, as reported in (no specific date mentioned)