On Friday, 3 February, youth from a number of prominent opposition youth organizations met in Perm, Russia seeking to strengthen ties and reconcile their often contentious political divisions, Vremya Novostei reported. Participants represented a broad spectrum of political views including the liberal Youth Yabloko, the Union of Right Forces and Maria Gaidar’s ‘Yes!’ and the right-wing, patriotic Union of Youth, the Motherland party’s youth wing. The ultra radical People’s National Party and the Movement Against Illegal Migration as well as several neo-fascist skinheads were also in attendance, and, despite some apprehension on the part of other participants, were allowed to participate and voice their views.
At the meeting, which was organized by SPS leader Nikita Belykh, participants engaged in roundtable discussions with notable figures from the Russian opposition. At one such roundtable Garri Kasparov, acclaimed chess player and leader of the United Citizens Forum implored members of the opposition to unite regardless of ideology. “Only a left-right opposition,” said Kasparov, “is in a position to offer a plan to escape the crisis that has lead to a single party system in the country.”
In a discussion session opened by the governor of Permskii Krai, Oleg Chirnukov, delegates from Moscow based organizations met with skinheads from Perm to discuss issues relating to the development of an opposition ideology. According to one neo-fascist from the Movement Against Illegal Migration, quoted in Vremya Novostei, about half a year ago they “realized that killing was ineffective, and therefore decided to try political methods of waging war.”
Inclusion of rightwing extremist groups and individuals in the forum prompted vociferous criticism from pro-government organizations. On Thursday, leaders from Nashi demanded a public apology from Governor Chirnukov, stating that if he refuses, “the organization will use all force necessary for the removal of the governor,” Gazeta reported. Activists from the Youth Guard, the youth wing of the pro-presidential United Russia party also joined in the attack.
In response to the attacks Chirnukov, who is one of the only oblast level governors not belonging to United Russia, stated that he is “categorically against giving the pulpit…to organizations and movements declaring racist or nationalist ideals.” On the other hand, said the governor, “we cannot turn our backs on those young people that are still able to hear us and realize their mistakes.” (From Gazeta)