On Friday the Russian Duma will invite small-party representatives to discuss next year's budget. According to the vice-chairman of the Liberal Party, however, "All decisions on budgets are made by the ruling party."
Russian liberals hold only one seat in the Duma, no wonder the ruling party gorges itself on party budgets. Russia must amend its constitution to include a system of checks and balances. Members of a single parliamentary committee shall be from at least three unrelated organizations or groups, and no party shall be represented by more than 1/4 of the membership. In addition, any person who has a conflict of interest shall resolve the conflict or face the consequences. See the Charter for Permanent Peace and Development.
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