In the ever-evolving landscape of Russian politics, a new player has emerged, and its rise is a fascinating, if somewhat worrying, development. The party known as 'New People' has skyrocketed in popularity, becoming the second most favored political entity according to official polls. This is a party created by the Kremlin, designed to capture protest votes and channel dissent into a controlled framework. But why is this happening, and what does it mean for Russia's future?
The Rise of New People
New People's ascent is a direct result of the growing frustration among Russians, exacerbated by internet shutdowns and the ongoing war. With limited options, many are turning to this party as a form of legalized protest, a way to express their dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs. The party's leader, Alexei Nechaev, has capitalized on this sentiment, positioning New People as a voice against restrictions and coercion.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the party's origins. Founded in 2020, New People was a strategic move by the Kremlin to capture urban voters with protest inclinations, steering them away from non-systemic opposition. Nechaev, an entrepreneur and owner of Faberlic cosmetics, approached Yuri Kovalchuk, a close ally of Putin, to sponsor and organize this project. Despite Nechaev's denials, the party's stance towards Putin is significantly more supportive than its criticism of United Russia.
A Safe Haven for Protest
Political commentator Andrey Pertsev offers an insightful perspective. He believes New People provides a safe avenue for Russians to express their discontent. "Public politics is still a living organism," he says, "People have problems, and they turn to whoever speaks about them and gently criticizes state actions."
The party's nominal centrism and its cautious criticism of certain government decisions have made it an attractive option for those seeking a middle ground. Its deputies often vote in line with United Russia but then publicly criticize the measures, a clever strategy to appeal to a wider audience.
The Kremlin's Next Move
As we approach the parliamentary elections in September, New People is building momentum and could potentially finish second nationally. This has not gone unnoticed by the Kremlin, with officials reportedly discussing strategies to reduce the party's support. Political analyst Abbas Gallyamov suggests that divisions within the Kremlin have created space for New People to maneuver, allowing for limited dissent.
Pertsev believes that domestic policy managers might use New People to replace the increasingly ideological Communist Party as the system's second force. The success of this strategy could hinge on whether Putin personally heads United Russia's electoral list. If he does, United Russia will need to deliver impressive results. If not, and economic issues worsen, redirecting protest votes towards New People could be a regime-safe option, potentially leading to a Kremlin-backed coalition between the two parties.
A Deeper Look
The rise of New People is a symptom of a larger issue: the growing anti-system sentiment in Russia. As Gallyamov puts it, "When there are no fish, even a crayfish counts as fish." With limited choices, people are grasping for any alternative, and New People has positioned itself as that alternative. However, its true liberalism is questionable, as seen in its support for Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and its cautious criticism of internet restrictions.
In my opinion, the future of Russian politics is uncertain. The Kremlin's next move will be crucial in shaping the country's political landscape. Will New People continue to rise, or will the Kremlin find a way to rein it in? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the Russian people are seeking change, and New People has become a vessel for that desire.
