A Just Russia was formed in October as a merger of the nationalist Motherland Party, the Party of Life, and the Party of Pensioners.
Chairman Sergei Mironov said the party today began drafting its program for State Duma elections due in December.
Mironov, who is the speaker of the upper house of parliament, said the program will focus on improving living standards through social reforms.
He said he believes his party will break the "monopoly" of the ruling Unified Russia party.
Mironov, however, is a staunch supporter of President Vladimir Putin. Critics say A Just Russia is only a nominal opposition force.
(with material from Interfax, ITAR-TASS)
Democracy In Russia
Demonstrators in Moscow carry a coffin with a television in it to protest government control over broadcasting (TASS file photo)
DO RUSSIANS LIKE THEIR GOVERNMENT? During a briefing at RFE/RL's Washington office on November 15, Richard Rose, director of the Center for the Study of Public Policy at the University of Aberdeen, discussed the results of 14 surveys he has conducted since 1992 on Russian public opinion about democracy and the country's development. He discussed the implications of these opinions for relations with the West and for Russia's 2008 presidential election.
LISTEN
Listen to the complete discussion (about 42 minutes):Real Audio Windows Media
RELATED ARTICLES
U.S. Election Expected To Chill Relations With Moscow
Are Mayors Next 'Power Vertical' Victim?
Monarchist Nostalgia Remains Powerful
Russian Election Commission Rejects Third-Term Appeal
Romanov Burial May Be Part Of Kremlin Image Campaign
ARCHIVE
All of RFE/RL's English-language coverage of Russia.
UPDATED CONSTANTLY: Visit RFE/RL's Russian-language website, featuring news, analysis, features, streaming audio, and more, in Russian, from RFE/RL's Russian Service.
