Some of the 68 Russian parties that are pending registration under eased rules are squatters looking to snatch established, but currently unused brands, Vedomosti daily said on Wednesday.
The list includes the now-defunct liberal Union of Right Forces and Republican Parties. Leaders of both parties, which are set for revival, said they have not sought registration yet, even though parties with such names have already applied for registration with the Justice Ministry.
“It’s either crooks or raiders looking to snatch a popular brand, but we won’t allow it,” said Leonid Gozman, the driving force behind the revamp of the Union of Right Forces, which was merged into pro-Kremlin The Right Cause in 2008.
The complete list includes at least eight new leftist parties and several conservative ones, as well as more exotic entries, among them The Subtropical Party, The No Name Party and parties for urbanites, scientists, beer drinkers and even love.
Easing of draconian registration rules for parties and presidential candidates were among the Kremlin’s main concessions to the opposition after mass street protests that took place in Moscow between December and March.
Analysts said the reform, which is currently being fast-tracked through the parliament, could spawn dozens of “dwarf” parties that would cripple the larger players, especially with the opposition.
