Kremlin Says Election Strengthened Political Stability

Russia’s newly elected parliament has begun its new legislative term amid strong statements of support for President Vladimir Putin and his leadership, with senior lawmakers portraying the recent parliamentary election as a reaffirmation of the country’s political direction.

Putin met leaders of the political parties elected to the new State Duma on September 28, congratulating them on the election results and calling for cooperation around what he described as national priorities, including security, the economy, demographics and social policy.

United Russia Maintains Dominant Position

The September parliamentary election resulted in a strengthened position for United Russia, the Kremlin-aligned ruling party. Final results gave United Russia 349 of the State Duma’s 450 seats, while the Communist Party won 37, LDPR 23, New People 19, Just Russia 17 and Motherland one seat. Four independent candidates also secured seats.

Putin described the election as evidence of support for his government and Russia’s armed forces. He also said the new parliament should work collectively to address the country’s challenges.

Parliamentary Leadership Backs Putin

State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, who secured a third term as speaker, has also publicly emphasised the parliament’s alignment with the government’s broader agenda.

The previous Duma had prioritised implementing Putin’s government programmes and supporting Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine, according to an analysis by the German Institute for International and Security Affairs.

The new parliament includes 46 veterans of Russia’s war in Ukraine, representing more than 10% of the 450-member chamber. Kremlin officials have welcomed their election, saying their battlefield experience could contribute to parliamentary work.

Election Results Draw International Scrutiny

While Russian authorities presented the election as a demonstration of public support and political stability, international observers and analysts have raised concerns about the competitiveness of the vote.

The European Parliament’s research service said the election took place in a tightly controlled political environment and cited allegations of voter coercion, manipulation and falsification. It also noted that the liberal Yabloko party was excluded from the national ballot.

Ukraine War Remains Central

The new parliament begins its work while Russia remains engaged in its war against Ukraine. Putin has continued to frame the conflict and wider confrontation with Western countries as major national-security issues.

In recent remarks, the Russian president has warned of growing international tensions and said conflicts are likely to continue as the global balance of power changes.

The Kremlin has also faced mounting economic and geopolitical pressure, including sanctions and disruption to Russia’s energy sector.

A Parliament Closely Aligned With the Kremlin

The new State Duma’s composition gives the Kremlin substantial legislative backing as Putin’s government enters another parliamentary cycle.

With United Russia holding a large majority and other represented parties generally supporting the government’s central security and national-policy priorities, the parliament is expected to remain closely aligned with the Kremlin on major issues, particularly national security, economic policy and the war in Ukraine.

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