Putin Wants All Federal Subjects to Copy Moscow Oblast’s Approach in Key Area

Paul Goble

            Staunton, January 30 – Vladimir Putin has called on all the federal subjects of the Russian Federation to copy the positive experience of Moscow Oblast in using digital platforms for feedback from citizens, arguing that “such digital platforms must be created” across the Russian Federation (tass.ru/nacionalnye-proekty/7648849).

            On the one hand, Putin’s words highlight something valuable about federalism that he often ignores: if one unit comes up with a positive idea, it is then possible for others to copy it.  But on the other hand, it reflects the Kremlin leader’s proclivity to insist that Moscow or in this case Moscow oblast should be the model for the entire country.

            If this recommendation leads to the sharing of ideas generally, it will be a good thing; if, on the other hand, it leads to a further homogenization of the country on a strictly Moscow model, it will have a negative impact – and at the very least will offend many in more distant regions who don’t like being dictated to by the center.