PoliticsRussian TV channels are required to give airtime to debates before elections. The parties just don’t show up.

Televised debates for Russia’s State Duma elections have begun under a law requiring state channels to devote at least half of parties’ free airtime to joint events. In Ryazan, all six lecterns were empty on two consecutive broadcasts. In Buryatia, a Communist candidate’s appeal for an open debate was cut off by a government meeting, while another candidate answered a question and then stood silent on air.

RussiaState Duma electiontelevised debatespolitical participation

MMeduza★★★☆☆2026-09-02 15:11Original