PM Vanhanen: Russian democracy different than in Western Europe

Matti Vanhanen

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Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen (Centre) said on Tuesday that Russia does "not have the same kind of democracy as in other European countries. Russia has democratic institutions, but the way that they work is not the same as we have in Western Europe."
      At the same time he again rejected criticism over the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin to a dinner during the unofficial European Union summit in Lahti on Friday this week.
      Criticism of President Putin and shortcomings in Russian democracy have escalated since the murder of journalist Anna Politkovskaya earlier this month.
      Vanhanen made his comments in Brussels in a joint interview with three Nordic newspapers: Helsingin Sanomat, the Swedish Dagens Nyheter, and the Danish Politiken.
     
Vanhanen was asked if there is a functioning democracy in Russia.
      "They say themselves that they have a democracy of their own kind. I don’t remember the exact definitions", Vanhanen said.
      "It is not the same kind of democracy as in other European countries. Russia has democratic institutions, but the way that they work is not the same as we have in Western Europe."
     
The visit comes at a sensitive time. In addition to the murder of Anna Politkovskaya, Russia has come under increasing criticism from the West over its treatment of neighbouring Georgia.
      "This is a decisively important indication of what is happening in Russia, and I believe that the Russians know this.
      Vanhanen says that thorny issues will also come up in Lahti, even though the main topics to be discussed with Putin are partnership questions and energy.
      "If these questions are to be discussed, the only way to do it is to arrange an opportunity for a discussion", Vanhanen said.
     
In addition to criticism of extending the invitation to Putin, EU leaders have been suspected of being unable to function as a united group.
      "Before we meet President Putin, we [EU leaders] will have our own lunchtime discussion on energy policy. My aim is to achieve a unified position of basic principles, which will also be our message to Russia."
      Principles in the energy sector include free competition. "Everything must be on the same starting line, and this applies to both Europe and Russia.
     
Vanhanen was cautious in his assessment of democratic development in Russia.
      "Our experiences in the development of democratic models of action and political parties are from 100 years back, and it is not easy to give advice on it. It is important for Russia to adhere to its commitments in the development of democracy."
      The Finnish Prime Minister feels that relations between the EU and Russia are in a fairly good balance. "There have been no great steps forward, but in some areas, such as trade, there has been great growth. The same goes for cultural cooperation."


Previously in HS International Edition:
  PM Vanhanen not worried about Putin´s participation in EU summit (17.10.2006)

Helsingin Sanomat