Report: Critical state of freedom of speech
The Mass Media Defense Centre, Russia's leading human rights organization for media and journalist rights, has released its annual "Freedom of Speech – 2024" report.
With detailed analysis of new laws and statistics on media persecution, the report sheds light on the growing threats to free speech and independent journalism across the country.
REM summarizes the key findings of the report.
Election update X
Russia begins preparations for the Unified Voting Day and State Duma elections 2026.
Read our brief overview of key political trends and major electoral events of early 2025.
National republics against the vertical power structure
Kremlin is preparing a large-scale municipal reform, aiming to abolish tens of thousands of urban and rural settlements across Russia.
The initiative has faced criticism from the leadership of the affluent and populous republics of Tatarstan and Bashkortostan, with State Duma Speaker Volodin effectively sabotaging its adoption.
This article explores why the Kremlin's municipal reform drew criticism from seemingly loyal regional politicians.
Read more … National republics against the vertical power structure
2024: A year of great hopes and crushing disappointments
Looking back at the past year, REM presents a political summary of 2024 in Russia.
More on the key election-related developments and what to watch for in 2025 – in this article.
Read more … 2024: A year of great hopes and crushing disappointments
"Big Brother" of Russian elections
Electronic voting is poised to become Kremlin's key tool for securing desired outcomes in the 2026 State Duma elections.
This analysis explores how Kremlin and regional authorities are leveraging e-voting system for their gain ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections.
“Valuable staff”: How Kremlin is turning war participants into school teachers
Schools in Russia are not only educational institutions but also key players in the electoral process. Most polling stations are located at schools, while school staff make up the majority of election commission members.
To address the shortage of teachers in small towns and villages, Kremlin is now retraining 'war veterans' as educators.
This reportage explains how it works.
Read more … “Valuable staff”: How Kremlin is turning war participants into school teachers