kids encyclopedia robot

United Russia facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts


Quick facts for kids
United Russia
Единая Россия
Chairman Dmitry Medvedev
Secretary-General Vladimir Yakushev
Chairman of the
Supreme Council
Boris Gryzlov
Parliamentary Leader Vladimir Vasilyev
Founders
Founded 1 December 2001; 23 years ago (2001-12-01)
Merger of
  • Unity
  • Fatherland – All Russia
  • Our Home – Russia
Headquarters 39th Building, Kutuzovsky Prospekt, Moscow, Russia. 121170
Youth wing Young Guard of United Russia
Membership (2013) 2,073,772
Ideology
  • Conservatism (Russian)
  • Statism
  • Cultural nationalism (Russian)
Political position Big tent
National affiliation All-Russia People's Front
European affiliation European Democrat Group (formerly)
International affiliation For the Freedom of Nations!
Colours      White,      Blue,      Red (Russian national colors)
Seats in the Federation Council
136 / 178
Seats in the State Duma
319 / 450
Governors
83 / 89
Seats in the Regional Parliaments
2,682 / 3,980
Ministers
20 / 31

^ A: United Russia does not have a coherent ideology but has been described by various sources as centrist, centre-right, or right-wing. United Russia also expresses support for far-right parties in Europe.

The All-Russian Political Party United Russia (Russian: Всероссийская политическая партия «Единая Россия», romanized: Vserossiyskaya politicheskaya partiya "Yedinaya Rossiya") is the main political party in Russia. It is often called the "ruling party" because it holds the most power. It is the largest party in the Russian Federation.

As of 2022, United Russia holds 325 out of 450 seats in the State Duma, which is Russia's main law-making body. This means they have a strong majority. The party was created on December 1, 2001. It was formed when three other parties, Unity, Fatherland – All Russia, and Our Home – Russia, joined together.

United Russia has had a very strong presence in the State Duma since 2007. They have won enough seats to pass laws easily. In the 2011 elections, the party's list of candidates was led by Dmitry Medvedev, who was President at the time. For the 2012 presidential election, Vladimir Putin became their candidate.

The party supports the policies of President Vladimir Putin. Even though he is not officially the party leader or a member now, many see him as its true leader. United Russia's popularity was highest in 2007. The party's ideas are sometimes seen as flexible. They are often called a "big-tent party" because they welcome people with different views.

History of United Russia

How the Party Started

Logo of the Unity and Fatherland (United Russia, 2001)
Logo of the All-Russian Party of Unity and Fatherland

United Russia grew out of a group called the Unity bloc. This group was formed in 1999, just before elections. Its goal was to challenge another strong party at the time. The government supported Unity's creation. They didn't expect it to do very well at first.

Sergei Shoigu, a well-known minister, became the leader of Unity. At that time, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's support grew a lot. This happened after he sent troops into Chechnya in response to bombings. The war effort was very popular with the public.

In the 1999 election, Unity did surprisingly well. It received 23.3% of the votes. This success showed that Putin was likely to win the 2000 presidential election.

Forming the Party

After the 1999 elections, Unity became a permanent political party. Many independent lawmakers joined it. In 2001, Unity and another group, Fatherland – All Russia, decided to merge. In December 2001, they officially became the All-Russian Party of Unity and Fatherland—United Russia.

Instead of focusing on old political arguments, 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)

Logo of the United Russia (2001-2005)
Logo of United Russia between 2001 and 2005

After the merger, leaders like Sergei Shoigu and Yury Luzhkov became co-chairs. Boris Gryzlov became the chairman of the Supreme Council in 2002. By 2003, United Russia had over 250,000 members.

In March 2003, the party held its second meeting. They approved a plan called "The Path of National Success." In December 2003, United Russia won the elections. They received 37.57% of the votes. This gave them a strong majority in the 4th State Duma. Boris Gryzlov became the speaker of the State Duma.

The party also decided to change its name to simply "United Russia."

Success in 2003 Elections

During Putin's early years as president, Russia's economy grew a lot. This was helped by high prices for oil and gas. United Russia's strong position in the Duma helped Putin pass many important changes. These included a flat income tax and other economic reforms.

United Russia presented itself as fully supporting Putin's plans. This helped them win the 2003 elections. The party was good at gaining support and weakening its opponents. For example, they highlighted issues with other parties. The main opposition parties did not do well in these elections.

Growing Power (2004–2007)

In 2004, Boris Gryzlov was elected chairman of United Russia. The party worked to make sure its members held important government positions. By 2006, 66 out of 88 regional leaders were members of the party. Many leaders of large companies also joined.

In 2006, the party approved a new plan called "The Russia We Choose." This plan focused on "sovereign democracy." United Russia also helped create new groups. These included the Young Guard of United Russia and the Union of Pensioners of Russia. These groups aimed to help different parts of society.

2007 Elections

Election russia 2007 002
United Russia campaigners in Saint Petersburg during the Russian 2007 election

As the economy continued to improve, Putin's approval ratings 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. Putin's name was at the top of United Russia's list.

The party also made it harder for other parties to register and participate in elections. After the 2007 elections, the party focused on anti-terrorism laws and social spending.

Later Years (2008–2010)

Dmitry Medvedev 21 November 2009 3
Then party leader Vladimir Putin with Yury Luzhkov, Dmitry Medvedev, Sergei Shoigu and Boris Gryzlov in 2009 at the 11th United Russia Party Congress

For the 2008 presidential election, United Russia supported Dmitry Medvedev. He won easily. Medvedev then made Putin his Prime Minister. In April 2008, Putin became the party's leader, but he did not become a member.

In regional elections in 2009, United Russia won most seats. There were some claims that opposition candidates faced difficulties. In September 2010, Yury Luzhkov, the mayor of Moscow, left the party.

Recent Years (2011–2013)

Медведев на XII Съезде
12th Congress of United Russia
Dmitry Medvedev United Russia Congress September 2011-2
Medvedev and Putin at the 12th Party Congress in September 2011

Between 2010 and 2011, support for United Russia changed but generally went down. At a party meeting in September 2011, Medvedev supported Putin running for president in 2012. 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 elections. This list included many party members and some non-members. Medvedev led the party's list. The party's election plan was announced by Medvedev and Putin. They talked about improving the economy, raising salaries, and building more roads.

In May 2012, Medvedev was elected chairman of United Russia. In March 2013, some members left the party. They said the party was not doing its job well.

All-Russia People's Front

Путин предлагает создать ОНФ 6 мая 2011
Vladimir Putin at an interregional conference in the Southern Federal District announces the creation of the All-Russia People's Front

In May 2011, Vladimir Putin suggested creating the All-Russia People's Front (ONF). This was a group to bring together different public organizations. Members of the ONF were included in United Russia's list for the 2011 Duma elections.

Putin said the ONF would help unite different groups. He wanted it to be a way for people to work together to make the country better. Boris Gryzlov said it was a step to bring United Russia and other groups closer.

Korus Nikolay Vasilyevich Fyodorov 23 june 2010 (crop)
Nikolay Fyodorov - responsible for the work on the People's Program for United Russia and the ONF

The ONF included over 500 public organizations. Many people also joined as individuals. The ONF's plan for the country was developed and adopted by the party. Some people felt that creating the ONF went against the idea of keeping politics separate from public life.

Recent Developments (2014–Present)

In February 2016, United Russia held a meeting to approve how they would choose candidates for the upcoming elections. In May 2016, they held party elections, called "primaries." However, winning these primaries did not always mean a person would become a candidate. Some winners were replaced by others.

More than 20 people who didn't take part in the primaries were still chosen as candidates. In January 2017, Medvedev was re-elected as party chairman.

Inauguration of Aysen Nikolayev (2018-09-27) 01
The official inauguration ceremony of the elected Head of the Sakha Republic, Aysen Nikolaev, on 27 September 2018

In May 2019, the party used electronic voting for the first time to choose candidates. In the 2021 Duma elections, the party kept its strong majority. This happened even though polls before the election showed lower support for the party.

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 the EU believed the party supported actions that harmed Ukraine's independence.

Elections and Results

State Duma Elections

United Russia has taken part in all elections for the State Duma of the Russian Federation since 2003. Before that, its earlier groups participated. The party often used a strategy of including well-known people on its lists. These people sometimes did not plan to become lawmakers or gave up their seats after the election. This allowed less famous party members to take their places.

2003 State Duma Elections

The 2003 elections were the first where United Russia ran as a single party. They won 223 seats in parliament. This gave them a strong majority. Boris Gryzlov, Sergei Shoigu, and Yuri Luzhkov led the party's list. Voter turnout was 55.75%.

2007 State Duma Elections

The 2007 elections were held in December. United Russia won 315 seats, giving them an even stronger majority. For the first time, elections were only based on party lists, not individual candidates.

Vladimir Putin was the only name at the top of United Russia's list. He announced he would lead the list but would not join the party. United Russia did not take part in all televised debates. Their election plan was called "Putin's Plan: A Worthy Future for a Great Country." Voter turnout was 63.78%.

2011 State Duma Elections

The 2011 elections were held in December. For the first time, the State Duma was elected for five years. United Russia won 238 seats. President Medvedev led the party's list. Voter turnout was 60.1%.

United Russia also took part in televised debates for the first time. However, top leaders like Putin and Medvedev did not participate in these debates.

2016 State Duma Elections

The 2016 elections were held in September. This time, half the lawmakers were elected from party lists and half from individual districts. Dmitry Medvedev, the party chairman, again led the party's list.

United Russia won 343 seats, their highest number ever. This gave them a very strong majority. Voter turnout was 47.88%.

2021 State Duma Elections

The 2021 elections were held over three days in September. They also used a mixed system of party lists and individual districts. President Vladimir Putin suggested including several important figures on the party's list. These included Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

United Russia was the only party to hold "primaries" to choose its candidates. Millions of people took part in this internal voting, many online. The party's plan for these elections was called the "People's Programme." It was based on ideas from President Putin and suggestions from over 2 million Russians.

The party also focused on bringing in new faces. Many volunteers and social activists became candidates. Voter turnout was 51.72%. United Russia won 324 seats, keeping its strong majority.

Presidential Election Results

United Russia has supported the winning candidate in every presidential election since 2004.

Election Candidate First round Second round Result
Votes  % Votes  %
2004 Supported Vladimir Putin 49,565,238 71.31 N/A Won
2008 Dmitry Medvedev 52,530,712 70.28 N/A Won
2012 Vladimir Putin 46,602,075 63.60 N/A Won
2018 Supported Vladimir Putin 56,430,712 76.69 N/A Won
2024 Supported Vladimir Putin 76,277,708 88.48 N/A Won

State Duma Election Results

Election Leader Votes  % Seats +/– Rank Government
2003 Boris Gryzlov 22,779,279 37.57
223 / 450
Increase 122 Increase 1st Majority
2007 44,714,241 64.20
315 / 450
Increase 92 Steady 1st Supermajority
2011 Vladimir Putin 32,379,135 49.32
238 / 450
Decrease 77 Steady 1st Majority
2016 Dmitry Medvedev 28,527,828 54.20
343 / 450
Increase 105 Steady 1st Supermajority
2021 Sergey Shoigu 28,064,258 49.82
324 / 450
Decrease 19 Steady 1st Supermajority

Regional Election Results

Regional parliament Election year and number of seats Current place Next elections
Places % #
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
 Chechnya
Parliament of the Chechen Republic
37 37 Steady 37 Steady 37 Steady
37 / 41
90.2% #1 2026
 Mordovia
State Assembly of the Republic of Mordovia
44 45 Increase 42 Decrease
42 / 48
87.5% #1 2026
 Ingushetia
People's Assembly of the Republic of Ingushetia
22 26Increase 27Increase
27 / 32
84.4% #1 2026
 Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug
Duma of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug — Yugra
25 28Increase 29Increase
29 / 35
82.9% #1 2026
 Nizhny Novgorod Oblast
Legislative Assembly of Nizhny Novgorod Oblast
30 41Increase 40Decrease
40 / 50
80% #1 2026
 Adygea
State Council of the Republic of Adygea
41 39Decrease 40Increase
40 / 50
80% #1 2026
 Tambov Oblast
Tambov Oblast Duma
42 44Increase 42Decrease
40 / 50
80% #1 2026
 Tyumen Oblast
Tyumen Oblast Duma
38 39Increase 38Decrease
38 / 48
79.2% #1 2026
 Stavropol Krai
Duma of Stavropol Krai
37 39Increase 39 Steady
39 / 50
78% #1 2026
 Dagestan
People's Assembly of the Republic of Dagestan
62 72Increase 69Decrease
69 / 90
76.7% #1 2026
 Jewish Autonomous Oblast
Legislative Assembly of the Jewish Autonomous Oblast
14 13Decrease 14Increase
14 / 19
73.7% #1 2026
 Chukotka
Duma of Chukotka Autonomous Okrug
7 10Increase 11Increase
11 / 15
73.3% #1 2026
 Pskov Oblast
Pskov Oblast Assembly of Deputies
26 33Increase 19Decrease
19 / 26
73.1% #1 2026
 Tver Oblast
Legislative Assembly of Tver Oblast
26 31Increase 29Decrease
29 / 40
72.5% #1 2026
 Kaliningrad Oblast
Legislative Assembly of Kaliningrad Oblast
22 29Increase 29 Steady
29 / 40
72.5% #1 2026
 Moscow Oblast
Moscow Oblast Duma
29 38Increase 36Decrease
36 / 50
72% #1 2026
 Samara Oblast
Samara Regional Duma
34 40Increase 36Decrease
36 / 50
72% #1 2026
 Novgorod Oblast
Novgorod Oblast Duma
15 21Increase 23Increase
23 / 32
71.9% #1 2026
 Vologda Oblast
Legislative Assembly of Vologda Oblast
21 25Increase 24Decrease
24 / 34
70.6% #1 2026
 Leningrad Oblast
Legislative Assembly of Leningrad Oblast
31 40Increase 35Decrease
35 / 50
70% #1 2026
 Kursk Oblast
Kursk Oblast Duma
33 35Increase 31Decrease
31 / 45
68.9% #1 2026
 Murmansk Oblast
Murmansk Oblast Duma
22 25Increase 25 Steady
25 / 36
69.4% #1 2026
 Chuvashia
State Council of the Chuvash Republic
33 35Increase 30Decrease
30 / 44
68.2% #1 2026
 Amur Oblast
Legislative Assembly of Amur Oblast
17 25Increase 18Decrease
18 / 27
66.7% #1 2026
 Perm Krai
Legislative Assembly of Perm Krai
39 40Increase 40 Steady
40 / 60
66.7% #1 2026
 Sverdlovsk Oblast
Legislative Assembly of Sverdlovsk Oblast
29 35Increase 33Decrease
33 / 50
66% #1 2026
 Krasnoyarsk Krai
Legislative Assembly of Krasnoyarsk Krai
33 37Increase 34Decrease
34 / 52
65.4% #1 2026
 Tomsk Oblast
Legislative Duma of Tomsk Oblast
27 31Increase 27Decrease
27 / 42
64.3% #1 2026
 Kamchatka
Legislative Assembly of Kamchatka Krai
22 21Decrease 18Decrease
18 / 28
64.3% #1 2026
 Astrakhan Oblast
Duma of Astrakhan Oblast
42 36Decrease 27Decrease
27 / 44
61.7% #1 2026
 Orenburg Oblast
Legislative Assembly of Orenburg Oblast
32 34Increase 29Decrease
29 / 47
61.7% #1 2026
 Karelia
Legislative Assembly of the Republic of Karelia
19 24Increase 22Decrease
22 / 36
61.1% #1 2026
 Kirov Oblast
Legislative Assembly of Kirov Oblast
27 37Increase 24Decrease
24 / 40
60% #1 2026
 Saint Petersburg
Legislative Assembly of Saint Petersburg
20 36Increase 30Decrease
30 / 50
60% #1 2026
 Omsk Oblast
Legislative Assembly of Omsk Oblast
27 29Increase 26Decrease
26 / 44
59.1% #1 2026
 Primorsky Krai
Legislative Assembly of Primorsky Krai
23 25Increase 23Decrease
23 / 40
57.5% #1 2026
 Lipetsk Oblast
Lipetsk Oblast Council of Deputies
36 45Increase 23Decrease
23 / 42
54.8% #1 2026
 Oryol Oblast
Oryol Oblast Council of People's Deputies
31 34Increase 27Decrease
27 / 50
54% #1 2026
 Altai Krai
Altai Krai Legislative Assembly
48 42Decrease 31Decrease
31 / 68
45.6% #1 2026
 Belgorod Oblast
Belgorod Oblast Duma
11 29Increase 44Increase
44 / 50
88% #1 2025
 Voronezh Oblast
Voronezh Oblast Duma
48 51Increase 48Decrease
48 / 56
85.7% #1 2025
 Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug
Legislative Assembly of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug
18 18 Steady 18 Steady
18 / 22
81.8% #1 2025
 Kurgan Oblast
Kurgan Oblast Duma
22 28Increase 27Decrease
27 / 34
79.4% #1 2025
 Magadan Oblast
Magadan Oblast Duma
5 17Increase 16Decrease
16 / 21
76.2% #1 2025
 Kaluga Oblast
Legislative Assembly of Kaluga Oblast
22 31Increase 29Decrease
29 / 40
72.5% #1 2025
 Ryazan Oblast
Ryazan Oblast Duma
25 32Increase 29Decrease
29 / 40
72.5% #1 2025
 Kostroma Oblast
Kostroma Oblast Duma
26 27Increase 24Decrease
24 / 35
68.6% #1 2025
 Komi
State Council of the Komi Republic
25 24Decrease 20Decrease
20 / 30
66.7% #1 2025
 Novosibirsk Oblast
Legislative Assembly of Novosibirsk Oblast
50 50 Steady 45Decrease
45 / 76
59.2% #1 2025
 Tuva
Great Khural of Tuva
29 31Increase 30Decrease
30 / 32
93.8% #1 2024
 Tula Oblast
Tula Oblast Duma
31 33Increase 31Decrease
31 / 36
86.1% #1 2024
 Tatarstan
State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan
87 83Decrease 85Increase
85 / 100
85% #1 2024
 Bryansk Oblast
Bryansk Oblast Duma
47 55Increase 48Decrease
48 / 60
80% #1 2024
 Crimea
State Council of Crimea
0 70Increase 60Decrease
60 / 75
80% #1 2024
 Kabardino-Balkaria
Parliament of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic
52 50Decrease 50 Steady
50 / 70
71.4% #1 2024
 Volgograd Oblast
Volgograd Oblast Duma
? 32Increase 28Decrease 27Decrease
27 / 38
71.1% #1 2024
 Mari El
State Assembly of the Mari El Republic
44 46Increase 33Decrease 35Increase
35 / 50
70% #1 2024
 Karachay-Cherkessia
People's Assembly of Karachay-Cherkessia
29 37Increase 34Decrease
34 / 50
68% #1 2024
 Altai
State Assembly of the Altai Republic
23 30Increase 25Decrease
25 / 41
61% #1 2024
 Nenets Autonomous Okrug
Assembly of Deputies of the Nenets Autonomous Okrug
6 13Increase 11Decrease
11 / 19
57.9% #1 2024
 Sevastopol
Legislative Assembly of Sevastopol
0 22Increase 14Decrease
14 / 28
50% #1 2024
 Moscow
Moscow City Duma
32 38Increase 24Decrease 20Decrease
20 / 45
44.4% #1 2024
 Khabarovsk Krai
Legislative Duma of Khabarovsk Krai
18 30Increase 2Decrease 5Increase
5 / 36
13.9% #2 2024
 Kemerovo Oblast
Legislative Assembly of Kemerovo Oblast
17 44Increase 39Decrease
39 / 46
84.8% #1 2023
 Kalmykia
People's Khural of Kalmykia
17 18Increase 21Increase
21 / 27
77.8% #1 2023
 Rostov Oblast
Legislative Assembly of Rostov Oblast
20 52Increase 46Decrease
46 / 60
76.7% #1 2023
 Bashkiria
State Assembly of the Republic of Bashkortostan
55 88Increase 79Decrease 78Decrease
78 / 110
70.9% #1 2023
 Yakutia
State Assembly of the Sakha Republic
20 51Increase 42Decrease 47Increase
47 / 70
67.1% #1 2023
 Yaroslavl Oblast
Yaroslavl Oblast Duma
15 39Increase 32Decrease
32 / 50
64% #1 2023
 Buryatia
People's Khural of the Republic of Buryatia
22 45Increase 39Decrease
39 / 66
59.1% #1 2023
 Vladimir Oblast
Legislative Assembly of Vladimir Oblast
27 32Increase 23Decrease 22Decrease
22 / 38
57.9% #1 2023
 Ivanovo Oblast
Ivanovo Oblast Duma
15 22Increase 15Decrease
15 / 26
57.7% #1 2023
 Smolensk Oblast
Smolensk Oblast Duma
15 36Increase 26Decrease
26 / 48
54.2% #1 2023
 Arkhangelsk Oblast
Arkhangelsk Oblast Assembly of Deputies
? 43Increase 25Decrease
25 / 47
53.2% #1 2023
 Ulyanovsk Oblast
Legislative Assembly of Ulyanovsk Oblast
10 31Increase 17Decrease
17 / 36
47.2% #1 2023
 Zabaykalsky Krai
Legislative Assembly of Zabaykalsky Krai
14 36Increase 21Decrease
21 / 50
42% #1 2023
 Khakassia
Supreme Council of the Republic of Khakassia
53 34Decrease 17Decrease 21Increase
21 / 50
42% #1 2023
 Irkutsk Oblast
Legislative Assembly of Irkutsk Oblast
15 29Increase 17Decrease
17 / 45
37.8% #2 2023
 Penza Oblast
Legislative Assembly of Penza Oblast
12 34Increase 32Decrease
32 / 36
88.9% #1 2022
 Krasnodar Krai
Legislative Assembly of Krasnodar Krai
25 95Increase 60Decrease
60 / 70
85.7% #1 2022
 Saratov Oblast
Saratov Oblast Duma
14 43Increase 36Decrease
36 / 45
80% #1 2022
 Udmurtia
State Council of the Udmurt Republic
31 67Increase 47Decrease
47 / 60
78.3% #1 2022
 Sakhalin
Sakhalin Oblast Duma
11 21Increase 19Decrease 20Increase
20 / 28
71.4% #1 2022
 North Ossetia
Parliament of the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania
25 45Increase 46Increase
46 / 70
65.7% #1 2022

Choosing Candidates (Primaries)

Участник Праймериз Голосует в НН
Participant of the primaries of United Russia and ONF in Nizhny Novgorod

United Russia holds "preliminary voting," also known as "primaries." This is an internal party election to choose candidates for future elections. It allows regular citizens to take part in the party's political life.

In 2011, United Russia and the ONF held primaries for the first time. Over 150 non-party candidates were included in United Russia's election lists. This success led Vladimir Putin to suggest making primaries a required step for all political parties. Since 2016, United Russia has held primaries every year. In 2021, they introduced electronic voting for six days. United Russia is still the only party that uses this preliminary voting system.

Electronic Voting

Electronic preliminary voting is a way to vote remotely. A special website was created for this, which works on smartphones. This site allows candidates to share their news and photos. It also makes it easier to watch the voting process.

In 2021, United Russia's electronic voting took place online from May 24 to May 30. Over 6 million people participated in this online voting. To vote, people had to log in through a government portal. The party created special software to help monitor the electronic voting and prevent problems.

What United Russia Believes In

The party says its main ideas are centrism and Russian conservatism. This means they believe in a strong government and practical solutions. Researchers also say the party supports ideas like statism (strong government control) and Putinism (supporting Vladimir Putin's policies).

According to their 2003 plan, "The Path of National Success," the party wants to bring together different groups in the country. Their goal is to reduce the gap between rich and poor. They believe the economy should mix government rules with market freedoms. They want the benefits of growth to help those who are less fortunate.

The party does not support extreme left-wing or right-wing ideas. Instead, they aim for a "political centrism" that can unite everyone. They also focus on being practical and avoiding extreme actions. The party sees itself as continuing Russia's long history of strong government. Their motto is "the party of real deeds."

In 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, many party leaders have used the term "sovereign democracy." This idea means that Russia should have its own unique form of democracy, independent from other countries.

The party strongly supports the current government and president. In the 2007 elections, their slogans supported Vladimir Putin's plans. In 2009, they officially declared Russian conservatism as their main idea.

The party's plan says that people are their top priority. They believe in human rights, freedom of speech, and access to culture. They want to make sure everyone has a good job and social security.

United Russia has also worked closely with the Russian Orthodox Church. The Church supports the government's policies. In 2015, United Russia changed its main idea to liberal conservatism. This is a more center-right approach. This change happened during an economic downturn in Russia.

The party's current rules list its main values:

  • Well-being of people: This includes health, long life, good pay, and a comfortable environment.
  • Unity and independence of the country: This means valuing common history, peace between different groups, and protecting Russia from outside interference.
  • Leadership and development of Russia: This involves improving people's lives, education, science, and the economy.

To follow these values, the party aims to:

  • Be a team working to improve people's lives and develop the country.
  • Be the party of most citizens who support the President.
  • Represent citizens' interests in government openly and honestly.
  • Make sure government tasks and laws are followed.
  • Support new ideas and projects from business people, scientists, and young leaders.
  • Protect human dignity and fairness in society.

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 are like debate clubs within the party.

"Putin's Plan"

"Putin's Plan" is a phrase used to describe Vladimir Putin's political and economic ideas for Russia. It was used in United Russia's election campaigns, especially in 2007. The slogan "Putin's plan is Russia's victory" was very popular.

In the party's 2007 election plan, "Putin's Plan" included:

  • Developing Russia as a unique country and protecting its culture and language.
  • Making the economy more competitive by supporting science and new technologies.
  • Improving people's lives by increasing wages and helping with housing.
  • Supporting groups that help society and encouraging people to be active.
  • Making Russia stronger and ensuring it has an important place in the world.

Sovereign Democracy

In 2006, a term called "sovereign democracy" became important for the party. This idea was meant to describe Russia's unique political path. It emphasized that Russia's democracy should be independent and not controlled by other countries.

The party was told to not just win elections but to stay in power for many years. To do this, they needed to understand and spread their ideas.

Party Projects

United Russia has many "federal party projects." These are plans to help people across Russia. They cover different areas like healthcare, education, and sports. These projects aim to improve daily life for citizens.

Some of these projects include:

  • Safe Roads: To make roads safer.
  • Urban Environment: To improve cities and towns.
  • Children's Sports: To develop sports for kids.
  • Healthy Future: To improve healthcare.
  • Historical Memory: To preserve Russia's history.
  • A Strong Family: To support families.
  • New School: To build and improve schools.
  • Clean Country: To protect the environment.

Party's Stance on Social Issues

United Russia has taken positions on many important social issues. For example, in 2018, most party members supported raising the retirement age. This was a change from their earlier stance against it.

The party has also supported many laws to help citizens. In 2021, they helped pass laws to:

  • Give disability pensions automatically.
  • Fight against illegal debt collection.
  • Refund 50% of the cost for children's trips to health camps.
  • Provide free gas connections to homes.
  • Protect a minimum income for citizens from being taken by debt collectors.
  • Start new payments for pregnant women and single parents.
  • Compensate people who paid for gas before a new program started.
  • Provide paid sick leave for parents caring for young children.
  • Abolish mandatory technical inspections for vehicles.
  • Abolish income tax on housing sales for families with children.
  • Expand a program for affordable mortgages.
  • Increase maternity capital payments each year.
  • Withdraw a bill about using QR codes for transport.
  • Make industrial companies responsible for cleaning up environmental damage.

In 2022–2024, United Russia suggested increasing government spending. They wanted to support families, disabled people, and improve roads and education. These suggestions were included in the national budget.

Party Structure

Vladimir Putin 15 April 2008-2
Putin (standing) at the 9th United Russia Party Congress on 15 April 2008

United Russia has a structure that spreads across Russia. It has regional branches in every part of the country. These regional branches have local branches, and local branches have smaller primary branches.

The highest decision-making body is the party congress. Between congresses, the General Council guides the party. The party also has an executive committee that manages daily operations. The party chairman is the highest official.

United Russia copied some of its organization from Japan's Liberal Democratic Party. This helped them grow their membership. The party has offices all over Russia and even one in Israel.

Party Congress

The party congress is the most important meeting. It makes big decisions, like setting the party's main goals. It also decides who will run for President and for seats in the State Duma. The congress elects the party chairman and other leaders.

The congress usually meets once a year. An extra meeting can be called if needed. There have been 20 congresses in the party's history. The congress was not held in 2020 due to health concerns.

Party Chairman

The party chairman is the highest elected position. The chairman represents the party in Russia and with other countries. They also lead party meetings and suggest candidates for important roles.

Boris Gryzlov was the first chairman. In 2008, Vladimir Putin was elected chairman, even though he was not a member. In 2012, Dmitry Medvedev was elected chairman after joining the party.

Leader Portrait Took office Left office
Collective leadership
Sergey Shoygu Yury Luzhkov Mintimer Shaimiev
Sergey Shoigu.jpg Yuri Luzhkov 2010 Moscow Unesco 02.jpg RIAN archive 395745 President of the Republic of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiyev.jpg
1 December 2001 27 November 2004
1 Boris Gryzlov
Boris Gryzlov 2006.jpg
27 November 2004 7 May 2008
2 Vladimir Putin
VladimirPutinNewYear2012-2.png
7 May 2008 26 May 2012
3 Dmitry Medvedev
Dmitry Medvedev official large photo -5.jpg
26 May 2012 Incumbent
Dmitry Medvedev 21 November 2009 3
Before the 11th Party Congress United Russia, 2009. President Dmitry Medvedev, prime minister and United Russia chairman Vladimir Putin, Russian State Duma chairman and chairman of the party's supreme council Boris Gryzlov (right). Background - (left to right): the co-chairs of the party's supreme council - then-mayor of Moscow, Yuri Luzhkov, and the head of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, Sergei Shoigu.

Supreme Council

The Supreme Council has 100 members. It plans the party's long-term goals and helps carry out its programs. It also works to make the party more respected in Russia and around the world. Members are chosen from important public figures. The chairman of the Supreme Council is Boris Gryzlov.

General Council

The General Council leads United Russia's activities between congresses. 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 manages the party's political activities, from election plans to party rules. It can decide to call special congresses and create new regional branches. Andrey Turchak was re-elected as the Secretary of the General Council in December 2021.

Party Central Executive Committee

This is the main executive body. It oversees the work of regional branches. It also organizes party events and works with the United Russia group in the State Duma. Alexander Sidyakin became the head of this committee in December 2021.

Central Control Commission

This commission checks that the party follows its rules. It also reviews the party's money and spending. The chairman of this commission is Irina Yarovaya.

Regional Branches

United Russia has branches in every region of Russia. Each regional branch has its own leaders and committees. These branches 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 Institutions

Young Guard of United Russia

The Young Guard of United Russia (MGER) is the party's youth group. It was started in November 2005. This group supports the party's goals and helps train future party leaders.

Interregional Conferences

In 2010, United Russia started holding interregional conferences. These meetings focused on improving different regions of Russia. The goal was to create clear plans for each area.

Межрег Конфа На ДВ
Interregional conference of United Russia in the Far East

Vladimir Putin, who was then party leader, attended these conferences. He discussed specific projects that could be done quickly. For example, in the Far East, he talked about improving transportation and energy. He suggested lowering flight prices and building new roads.

At a conference in March 2011, Putin asked party members to share their income and expenses. He also told regional leaders to control food prices and help small businesses. In May 2011, Putin suggested creating the Agency for Strategic Initiatives to support new businesses. He also proposed forming the All-Russia People's Front.

Party Finances

The party gets its money from membership fees, government funds, donations, and other activities. Membership fees are voluntary.

Membership fees have not been the party's main source of income. Most of its money comes from donations from companies and government funding. In 2014, government funding for political parties increased a lot. This caused United Russia's income to go up significantly.

In 2015, United Russia received over 5 billion rubles. Most of this came from government funding. The party spent most of its money on running its main offices and regional branches. Some reports have suggested that companies donating to United Russia later received large government contracts.

Party Symbols

The symbol of the party is a walking bear. In 2005, the party changed its symbol to a white bear with a blue outline. Above the bear is a waving Russian flag. Below the bear is the words "United Russia."

Slogans

  • "We believe in ourselves and in Russia!" (2003)
  • "Russia, forward!", "Let's save and increase!" (2009)
  • "Unity, Spirituality, Patriotism" (2010)
  • "The future is ours!", "Together we will win!" (2011)
  • "To act in the interests of the people is our task", "To hear the voice of everyone is our duty", "To create and protect the future of Russia is our goal", "We made Russia United – Let's make Russia Strong!" (2016)

Internal Groups and Clubs

United Russia has different groups that discuss policy ideas. These groups are not separate parties but rather internal clubs. They help the party think about different ways to develop Russia.

4 November Club

Участники Партклубов на Совместном Заседании 2010
Members of party clubs at a joint meeting in 2010

This club focuses on liberal-conservative ideas. It aims to develop plans for the country and get public support for them. It brings together people from different organizations, thinkers, and journalists. The club works closely with the party but is an independent discussion platform.

Center for Social Conservative Policy

Профессор Владимир Собкин На Заседании ГПК
Professor Vladimir Sobkin at a joint meeting of the Center for Social and Conservative Policy and the State Patriotic Club

This is a private club that discusses social issues. Its members are connected to the party. Their discussions help shape ideas within United Russia. They invite government officials and experts to their meetings.

State Patriotic Club

This club focuses on national unity and patriotism. It believes that a strong and responsible government is important for democracy and a good economy. It also emphasizes Russia's history and culture. The club has branches in many regions of Russia.

Liberal Club

Andrey Makarov giving a speech
Liberal club and party member Andrey Makarov

The Liberal Club started in 2010. It includes people from business and culture. Its members are part of the party but wanted a place to discuss liberal ideas. They believe in reforms but want to make changes without breaking the existing system.

Party's Group in the State Duma

After the 2003 elections, United Russia gained a very strong majority in the State Duma. This allowed them to pass laws without much opposition. The party's group in the Duma was divided into smaller sections to make it easier to manage.

The book Operation United Russia describes how the party's group in the Duma worked. It says that lawmakers received clear instructions on how to vote. They were given a list of issues with notes on whether to vote "for," "against," or "abstain." This meant there was little need for discussion.

After the 2007 elections, United Russia again had a strong majority. The number of lawmakers in their group was 315. In the 2011 elections, their numbers decreased, but they still had a majority. In the 2016 elections, United Russia won a record 340 seats.

Leadership in the State Duma

Since 2003, the Chairman of the State Duma has been a member of United Russia. These have included Boris Gryzlov, Sergey Naryshkin, and Vyacheslav Volodin. The party also holds other important leadership positions in the Duma.

United Russia has an expert council to help with new laws. This council reviews all ideas from party members before they are presented to the State Duma.

Notable People Who Left the Party

Some well-known people have left United Russia. For example, Yury Luzhkov, a former mayor of Moscow, left the party. He said he was always careful about United Russia because it lacked democratic ways. He felt the party always followed the government's orders without discussion.

Other famous people who left include former governors, a ballerina, and a writer. In some cases, large groups of people also left the party. For example, in 2015, almost a hundred people in Kopeysk left United Russia. They were employees who had not been paid their salaries. In 2021, over 120 employees of a plant in Altai Krai also left the party.

Sanctions

In December 2022, the European Union placed sanctions on United Russia. This was because the EU believed the party supported Russia's actions in Ukraine. As a result, all party assets in the European Union were frozen. Party members were also banned from entering the EU. In February 2023, Canada also added United Russia to its sanctions list.

Important 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 party.
  • Dmitry Medvedev, current chairman of the party, former Prime Minister, and former President of Russia.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Rusia Unida para niños

  • Belaya Rus
  • Russian Unity
  • Serbian Progressive Party
  • Unity Party (South Ossetia)
kids search engine
United Russia Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.