Federation Council

Federation Council. The Federation Council is the upper house of the Federal Assembly of Russia, the national parliament of the Russian Federation. Established by the 1993 Constitution, it represents the federal subjects of Russia, with each region sending two delegates. The chamber is a permanent body with key powers over national security, federal boundaries, and the approval of high-level presidential appointments.

History

The creation of the Federation Council was a direct result of the 1993 Russian constitutional crisis, which culminated in the dissolution of the Congress of People's Deputies of Russia and the shelling of the White House. The new Constitution of Russia, drafted under the direction of President Boris Yeltsin and approved by referendum, replaced the old Supreme Soviet of Russia with a bicameral Federal Assembly of Russia. It succeeded the Soviet of Nationalities of the RSFSR era. Its first members, elected in December 1993, included many incumbent regional governors and legislative speakers. The method of composition has changed several times, shifting from direct election to appointment, as formalized by laws signed by Vladimir Putin including the Federation Council Formation Act of 2000.

Composition and appointment

The chamber comprises 170 members, two from each of the 85 federal subjects: one representing the regional executive authority and one representing the regional legislative authority. Senators are not directly elected but are appointed by the governing bodies of their respective regions, typically the governor and the regional legislature. According to federal law, a candidate must be at least 30 years old and have resided in the region for at least five years. Notable appointees have included former Presidential Administration officials like Dmitry Medvedev's aide Andrey Turchak, and powerful regional leaders such as the former Head of Chechnya, Ramzan Kadyrov's ally Ziyad Sabsabi.

Powers and functions

Its constitutional powers are distinct from the State Duma, focusing on federal and territorial integrity. It approves presidential decrees on the introduction of martial law or a state of emergency, and must ratify any change to internal borders between federal subjects. It holds the power to appoint and dismiss the Prosecutor General of Russia, judges of the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court of Russia, and the Chairman of the Central Bank of Russia. The chamber also votes on the deployment of the Armed Forces outside Russian territory and initiates the impeachment process against the President.

Structure and leadership

The internal structure is led by the Chairman, a position held since 2011 by Valentina Matviyenko, the former Governor of Saint Petersburg. The Chairman is assisted by deputy chairmen, including Andrey Turchak and Nikolay Zhuravlev. Work is organized through permanent committees and commissions, such as the Committee on Constitutional Legislation and the Committee on Defense and Security, which are crucial for preparing draft opinions. The Council operates from its main building at 26 Bolshaya Dmitrovka in Moscow, with sessions typically held in the capital.

Role in the legislative process

While the State Duma holds primary responsibility for drafting and adopting federal laws, all legislation passed by the lower house must be sent for review. It can approve, reject, or propose amendments to bills. A rejection can be overridden by a two-thirds vote in the State Duma. Certain categories of bills, particularly those related to the federal budget, taxes, and international treaties, are subject to mandatory consideration. The chamber also issues statements and appeals on matters of national policy, which carry political weight but are not legally binding.

Political dynamics

The chamber is dominated by the United Russia party, which holds an overwhelming majority of seats, ensuring alignment with the policies of the Kremlin and the Presidential Administration. Other represented parties include A Just Russia — For Truth, the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia, and New People. It is generally viewed as a less contentious and more technocratic body than the State Duma, often acting as a chamber of review and a forum for regional interests. Its members frequently include former high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Defense, the FSB, and regional elites, reinforcing its role as a stabilizing pillar within the Russian political system. Category:National upper houses Category:Government of Russia Category:1993 establishments in Russia