Dilemmas of Post-Communist Russia

1 By supporting Chernomyrdin's government, communists are beginning to implement their strategy of peaceful penetration into the power structures. Paradoxically enough, the existence of Chubais and other `radicals' has become a factor that brings together opposition and `pragmatists'. At the same time, the communists' collaboration with the regime may push their base towards more extremist forces, so it can be used in the future by Lebed.

2 The group of leading tycoons which became known in Russia as the `Group of Seven' includes Berezovsky (car dealer and head of an information empire), Potanin, now deputy prime minister (previously president of Oneximbank), Vladimir Gusinsky (Most banking and media group), Mikhail Khodorkovsky (Menatep bank and oil empire), Petr Aven and Mikhail Friedman (Alfa Bank) and Alexandr Smolensky (Stolichny Bank). This group was intimately involved in the Yeltsin re-election campaign and is now engaged in active political manoeuvring, being closely associated with Yeltsin's daughter Tatyana Dyachenko. See Chrystia Freeland, John Thornhill & Andrew Gowers, `Moscow's Group of Seven', Financial Times, 1 November 1996. From other sources may be added Ram Viakhirev (head of Gazprom) and Vagit Alikperov (LUKOil). See Izvestiya, 5 January 1997.

3 Izvestiya, 31 December 1996.

4 Lebed, after a short period of silence, began a new round of activity, trying to form his own movement - the National Republican Party. In a situation of permanent social frustration, Lebed might become a political figure dangerous for the regime, especially in the event of a presidential election before the end of Yeltsin's term in office.