After the collapse of the USSR in December 1991, some Russians enthusiastically embraced the end of the “Soviet era”. They hoped that a new, democratic, just and prosperous society would be built in Russia. Alas, by the end of the 90s, Russia found itself in a difficult situation. But since 2000, significant changes have occurred in all areas of her life, including political.
Instructions
Step 1
On December 31, 1999, Russian President B. N. Yeltsin unexpectedly announced that he was stepping down. According to the Constitution, his duties were automatically transferred to V. V. Putin, who was the chairman of the Russian Government.
Step 2
Unlike his predecessor, Putin immediately showed himself to be an energetic and demanding leader. In addition, Yeltsin found himself completely dependent on the so-called "oligarchs". Putin, on the other hand, began to pursue a rather tough policy towards them (primarily B. A. Berezovsky and V. V. Gusinsky). This, as well as the decisive measures taken against the militants in the North Caucasus, contributed to the growth of his popularity among Russians. And in the spring of 2000, the majority of Russian voters voted for V. V. Putin in the presidential elections.
Step 3
In subsequent years, a number of reforms were carried out, the main goal of which was to improve the financial situation of the country. As a result, Russia was not only able to almost completely pay off its external debt, but also to create very large foreign exchange reserves.
Step 4
A significant role in this was played by the arrest of the richest oligarch of Russia, the owner of the YUKOS company MB. Khodorkovsky, and his subsequent conviction to lengthy imprisonment. The fact that after the arrest of the oligarch tax collection in the oil and gas sector has increased dramatically speaks for itself.
Step 5
A very important moment was the actual completion of the 2nd Chechen war in the North Caucasus. Although the situation in that region has not yet completely returned to normal, and individual groups of fanatical militants continue to commit terrorist acts.
Step 6
Compared to the "crazy 90s," inflation has dropped sharply. The standard of living of the majority of Russians has noticeably improved. And V. V. Putin easily won the new presidential election in 2004. Many Russians were ready to vote for him for the third time in a row, but, according to the Constitution, this is impossible. And in 2008-2012. The President of the country was D. A. Medvedev. The beginning of his rule was marked by the August conflict with Georgia, as a result of which South Ossetia and Abkhazia were recognized by Russia as sovereign states. And in 2012 V. V. Putin again won a landslide victory in the elections.
Step 7
At the moment, the most important and difficult task facing Russia and its leadership is to successfully resolve the acute political crisis in neighboring Ukraine.
