United Russia facts for kids
The All-Russian Political Party "United Russia" is the main political party in Russia. It is the largest party in the country. United Russia holds most of the seats in the State Duma, which is like Russia's parliament. They have been the majority party there since 2007.
The party was formed on December 1, 2001. It was created when three other parties joined together: Unity, Fatherland – All Russia, and Our Home – Russia. United Russia has won many elections. They have had a strong majority in the State Duma in 2007, 2016, and 2021.
United Russia supports the policies of Russia's current President, Vladimir Putin. He used to be the party leader. Even though he is not the official leader or a member now, many see him as the party's real leader. The party's ideas are not always fixed. They often appeal to voters who support Putin rather than a specific political idea. Because of this, it is sometimes called a "big-tent party." This means it tries to include many different types of people.
Quick facts for kids
United Russia
Единая Россия
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|---|---|
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| Chairman | Dmitry Medvedev |
| Secretary-General | Andrey Turchak |
| Parliamentary Leader | Vladimir Vasilyev |
| Founders |
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| Founded | 1 December 2001 |
| Merger of |
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| Headquarters | 39th Building, Kutuzovsky Prospekt, Moscow, Russia. 121170 |
| Youth wing | Young Guard of United Russia |
| Membership (2013) | 2,073,772 |
| Ideology |
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| Political position | Big tent |
| National affiliation | All-Russia People's Front |
| Colours | White, Blue, Red (Russian national colors) |
| Seats in the Federation Council |
136 / 178
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| Seats in the State Duma |
325 / 450
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| Governors |
73 / 89
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| Seats in the Regional Parliaments |
2,682 / 3,980
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| Ministers |
20 / 31
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^ A: United Russia does not have a coherent ideology but has been described by various sources as centrist, centre-right, or right-wing. While United Russia is not considered a far-right party, there is controversy over its support for far-right parties in Western Europe. |
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Contents
Party History
How United Russia Began
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United Russia started from a group called "Unity." This group was formed in 1999. It was created to go against another strong party at the time. Important people in the government supported Unity. They were worried about the other party winning.
At first, Unity was not expected to do well. But then, Vladimir Putin became Prime Minister. His popularity grew very fast. This happened after he sent troops into Chechnya. This action was very popular with the public.
Unity's election campaign in 1999 was a big success. They got 23.3% of the votes. This was much more than expected. Putin's popularity helped Unity win. This also showed that Putin would likely win the presidential election in 2000.
Forming the Party
After the 1999 elections, Unity became a permanent party. Many independent politicians joined it. In April 2001, Unity and another party, Fatherland – All Russia, decided to merge. In December 2001, they officially became "United Russia."
Instead of focusing on old political ideas, Putin emphasized "stability." This was something many Russians wanted after a decade of big changes. People felt that Putin had brought stability to the country.
Early Years (2001–2003)
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After the parties merged, their leaders became co-chairs. These were Sergei Shoigu, Yury Luzhkov, and Mintimer Shaimiev. In 2002, Boris Gryzlov became the chairman of the party's main council.
By January 2003, United Russia had 257,000 members. On March 29, 2003, the party held its second meeting. They approved a plan called "The Path of National Success." They also decided to create an election plan for the upcoming elections. Boris Gryzlov was elected as the new party leader.
On September 20, 2003, the party approved its election plan. Vladimir Putin wished the party success. On December 7, United Russia won the elections. They received 37.57% of the votes. This gave them a strong majority in the State Duma. Boris Gryzlov became the speaker of the State Duma.
On December 24, 2003, the party officially changed its name to "United Russia." They also decided to support Vladimir Putin in the presidential elections.
2003 State Duma Elections
During Putin's first years as president, Russia's economy improved a lot. This was helped by high prices for oil and gas. United Russia became the main party in the Duma. This helped Putin pass many important laws. These included a flat income tax and other economic changes.
United Russia said they fully supported Putin's plans. This helped them win the 2003 Duma elections. They got more than a third of the votes. The party was also good at using government resources to weaken its opponents.
Growth and Influence (2004–2007)
On November 27, 2004, Boris Gryzlov was elected as the chairman of United Russia. The party aimed to make its power stronger. In 2005, a law was passed for State Duma elections to be only by party lists. This meant parties became more important.
Most governors in Russia became members of United Russia. By April 2006, 66 out of 88 regional leaders were party members. Many leaders of big companies also joined the party.
On December 2, 2006, the party approved a new plan called "The Russia We Choose." This plan focused on "sovereign democracy." This idea means that Russia should have its own unique way of democracy.
Between 2006 and 2007, United Russia helped create new groups. These included the Young Guard of United Russia and the Union of Pensioners of Russia. These groups helped the party connect with more people.
2007 State Duma Elections
As the economy kept improving, Putin's popularity stayed high. He won the 2004 presidential election with over 71% of the votes. In the 2007 Duma elections, United Russia won 64.3% of the votes. The party also made election rules tougher. They increased the minimum votes needed to get into parliament from 5% to 7%.
During the 2007 election, some groups accused the party of breaking election rules. However, United Russia still won a large majority.
Recent Years (2008–Present)
For the 2008 presidential election, United Russia supported Dmitry Medvedev. He won with 71% of the votes. Medvedev then named Putin as his Prime Minister. On May 7, 2008, Putin became the party's leader. But he said he would not become a member. Medvedev also chose not to join the party.
In October 2009, support for United Russia was around 53%. On September 28, 2010, Yury Luzhkov, the mayor of Moscow, left the party.
Changes and Elections (2011–2013)
Around 2010–2011, support for United Russia changed. It went down to 35% in January 2011. But it recovered to 41% by March 2011.
At a party meeting on September 24, 2011, Medvedev supported Putin for the 2012 presidential election. This meant Putin would likely become president again. Medvedev also agreed to lead United Russia in the Duma elections.
The party approved its list of candidates for the December 2011 State Duma elections. President Medvedev led this list. The party's election plan was announced by Medvedev and Putin. They talked about improving the economy and raising salaries.
In May 2012, Medvedev was elected chairman of United Russia. He joined the party before this.
All-Russia People's Front
On May 6, 2011, Vladimir Putin suggested creating the All-Russia People's Front (ONF). This was a group of public organizations. People from the ONF were included in United Russia's list for the 2011 Duma elections.
Putin said the ONF would help unite different political groups. He wanted it to bring together people who want to make Russia stronger. Many public organizations joined the ONF. These included business groups, trade unions, and youth groups.
The ONF's plan for the economy was developed by experts. It was adopted by the party. This plan was meant to guide the work of the State Duma.
Recent Developments (2014–Present)
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In 2016, United Russia held special internal elections called "primaries." These were to choose candidates for the State Duma elections. However, some winners were later removed from the lists. Their places were given to others who had lower results.
In the 2021 Duma elections, the party kept its strong majority. This happened even though polls showed lower support for them. There were claims of election fraud.
In March 2022, during the conflict in Ukraine, the party opened an aid center in Mariupol. In December 2022, the European Union placed sanctions on United Russia. This was because of their support for Russia's actions in Ukraine.
Party Goals and Ideas
The party's main ideas are described as "centrist" and "conservative." They believe in a strong state and practical solutions. Some researchers also link their ideas to Russian nationalism.
In their 2003 plan, "The Path of National Success," the party said its goal was to unite different political groups. They wanted to reduce differences between rich and poor. They also aimed for an economy that mixes state control with market freedom. They said they were against extreme political ideas. They wanted to unite all parts of society.
In April 2005, Boris Gryzlov said United Russia was choosing a "socially conservative" path. He said they were against both old communist ideas and extreme liberal ideas.
Since 2006, the idea of "sovereign democracy" has been important to the party. This means Russia should have its own unique democratic system. The party supports the current government and president. In 2009, they officially said their idea was "Russian conservatism."
The party's main values are:
- Well-being of people: This includes health, good pay, and a comfortable life.
- Unity and independence of the country: This means protecting Russia's history, culture, and preventing outside interference.
- Leadership and development of Russia: This means improving life quality, education, science, and the economy.
To achieve these values, the party aims to:
- Be a team working to improve people's lives.
- Represent the majority of citizens who support the President.
- Represent citizens' interests in government.
- Control that tasks set by the President are done.
- Support new ideas and projects from different people.
- Protect human dignity and fairness.
United Russia has different groups within it. These include a "socially conservative" group and a "liberal-conservative" group. They also have a "national-conservative" group. These groups discuss different ideas within the party.
The party works closely with the Russian Orthodox Church. The Church supports the government's views on social and cultural matters.
"Putin's Plan"
"Putin's Plan" is a term used for Vladimir Putin's political and economic ideas. It was used in United Russia's election campaigns. The slogan "Putin's plan is Russia's victory" was very popular.
The plan included ideas like:
- Developing Russia as a unique country.
- Making the economy more competitive.
- Improving people's lives with better wages and housing.
- Supporting public groups.
- Making Russia's independence and defense stronger.
A brochure called "Putin's Plan" was given out during elections. It explained these ideas.
Party Projects
United Russia has many "federal party projects." These are plans to help people across Russia. They aim to improve healthcare, build schools, develop roads, and support sports. They also focus on patriotism and cultural values.
There are 15 federal party projects, including:
- Safe Roads
- Urban Environment
- Children's Sports
- Healthy Future
- Historical Memory
- New School
- Clean Country
These projects aim to solve problems and improve life for citizens.
Party Structure
United Russia has branches all over Russia. There is one main branch for each region. These regional branches have smaller local branches. And local branches have even smaller primary branches.
The highest group in the party is the Congress. Between Congress meetings, the General Council leads the party. The party also has a Chairman, who is the top official.
United Russia has local and regional offices in all parts of Russia. They also have an office in Israel. By 2005, the party had over 2,600 local offices and nearly 30,000 primary offices.
The party's official rules are in its charter. The current charter was updated in 2012. The party also has different programs and policy statements. These explain their goals and plans.
Party Congress
The Party Congress is the highest decision-making body. It decides on important issues. This includes creating new parts of the party or changing its main goals. The Congress also decides who will run for President and for seats in the State Duma. It elects the party chairman and other leaders.
The Congress usually meets once a year. Special meetings can be called if needed. The party has held 20 congresses in its history.
Party Chairman
The Party Chairman is the highest elected position. The chairman represents the party to other groups and the media. They also lead meetings and suggest candidates for different roles. Boris Gryzlov was the first chairman.
On May 7, 2008, Vladimir Putin was elected chairman. He was not a party member at the time. On May 26, 2012, Dmitry Medvedev was elected chairman. He joined the party before this.
| № | Leader | Portrait | Took office | Left office | ||||||
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| — | Collective leadership
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1 December 2001 | 27 November 2004 | |||||||
| 1 | Boris Gryzlov |
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27 November 2004 | 7 May 2008 | ||||||
| 2 | Vladimir Putin |
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7 May 2008 | 26 May 2012 | ||||||
| 3 | Dmitry Medvedev |
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26 May 2012 | Incumbent | ||||||
Supreme Council
The Supreme Council has 100 members. It plans the party's future and helps carry out its goals. It also works to make the party more respected in Russia and around the world. Members are chosen from important public figures.
General Council
The General Council leads United Russia between Congress meetings. It makes sure all party decisions are followed. It also helps create election plans and guides the party's political work. It has 170 members.
Presidium of the General Council
This group leads the General Council. It guides the party's political activities. This includes creating election plans and managing party organization. It also approves the party's budget.
Andrey Turchak is the current Secretary of the General Council. The Presidium has 35 members.
Party Central Executive Committee
This is the main working group. It oversees the regional branches. It also organizes party events and works with the United Russia group in the State Duma. Alexander Sidyakin is the head of this committee.
Central Control Commission
This group checks that the party follows its rules. It also checks the party's money and spending. The chairman of this commission is Irina Yarovaya.
Regional Branches
United Russia has branches in all regions of Russia. These branches have their own leaders and committees. They are responsible for the party's work in their areas. Since 2019, many regional governors have also become leaders of the party's regional branches.
Party Work During the Pandemic
United Russia was very active during the COVID-19 pandemic. Party members helped doctors and supported people who were affected. They set up volunteer groups across the country. They also helped pass laws to support citizens and businesses.
The party used over 500 million rubles from membership fees and donations to help doctors. They bought and gave away medical vehicles and protective equipment. They also gave 200 cars to hospitals.
Volunteers helped deliver food and medicine. They also supported the elderly. They provided tablets and computers to students for online learning. This helped over 500,000 students and teachers.
Party Volunteer Centers
United Russia created volunteer centers in all regions to help during the pandemic. The first one opened in March 2020. Over 100,000 volunteers joined these centers. They helped deliver hot meals to medical staff. They also delivered food and medicine to citizens.
Headquarters "We Are Together"
The #WeAreTogether campaign brought together people who needed help and those who wanted to give it. Volunteers delivered food and medicine to people who called the hotline. This campaign started in March 2020.
Sanctions
On December 16, 2022, the European Union placed sanctions on United Russia. This was because of Russia's actions in Ukraine. The EU said the party supported the conflict and the annexation of Ukrainian territories. This means the party's money in the EU is frozen. Also, party members are not allowed to enter the EU.
On February 24, 2023, Canada also placed sanctions on United Russia.
Notable Members
- Vladimir Putin, President of Russia and former chairman of the party.
- Boris Gryzlov, former Interior Minister and Chairman of the Supreme Council of United Russia.
- Vyacheslav Volodin, current Chairman of the State Duma.
- Valentina Matviyenko, current Chairwoman of the Federation Council.
- Sergey Shoygu, current Defence Minister and former leader of the Unity party.
- Dmitry Medvedev, current chairman of the party, former Prime Minister, and former President of Russia.
Images for kids
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United Russia campaigners in Saint Petersburg during the Russian 2007 election
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Speech by Party Chairman Vladimir Putin at the 11th Congress of United Russia, 21 November 2009
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Participant of the primaries of United Russia and ONF in Nizhny Novgorod
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Vyacheslav Volodin with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in the State Duma on 21 June 2018
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Interregional conference of United Russia in the Far East
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Members of party clubs at a joint meeting in 2010
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Professor Vladimir Sobkin at a joint meeting of the Center for Social and Conservative Policy and the State Patriotic Club
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Liberal club and party member Andrey Makarov
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See also
- Belaya Rus
- For United Ukraine, a political alliance created two weeks later in Ukraine and led by the Party of Regions
- Russian Unity
- Serbian Progressive Party
- Unity Party (South Ossetia)
