Federation Council (Russia)

Federation Council (Russia). The Federation Council is the upper house of the Federal Assembly of Russia, the national parliament of the Russian Federation. Established by the Constitution of Russia in 1993, it represents the country's federal subjects. The chamber is a key institution in Russia's political system, wielding significant authority over regional, legislative, and international matters.

History

The Federation Council was created following the 1993 Russian constitutional crisis and the dissolution of the Congress of People's Deputies of Russia. Its formation was mandated by the new Constitution of Russia drafted under President Boris Yeltsin. The first convocation in 1994 consisted of directly elected officials, including regional governors and legislative speakers. This method was altered by President Vladimir Putin in 2000 with a law ending direct elections, instead having members appointed by regional executives and legislatures. Further reforms, such as those in 2012 and 2014, refined appointment procedures and integrated representatives from annexed territories like the Republic of Crimea. The chamber's evolution reflects the centralization of power within the Political system of Russia.

Composition and appointment

The Federation Council comprises 170 members, two from each of the 85 Federal subjects of Russia, which include entities like the Republic of Tatarstan and Moscow Oblast. One senator represents the legislative authority of a region, while the other represents the executive authority. Members are not directly elected; since reforms initiated by President Vladimir Putin, they are appointed. The legislative senator is selected by the regional parliament, such as the Legislative Assembly of Saint Petersburg, and the executive senator is appointed by the regional governor, subject to confirmation by the regional legislature. Candidates must be at least 30 years old and have resided in their region for five years, with notable former members including Sergei Mironov and Nikolai Fyodorov.

Powers and functions

The chamber holds critical constitutional powers, primarily concerning federal and international affairs. It approves changes to internal borders between Federal subjects of Russia, such as between Krasnoyarsk Krai and Tyva Republic. It must ratify presidential decrees on the imposition of martial law or state of emergency, as seen during events in the North Caucasus. The Federation Council authorizes the use of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation outside Russia, a power exercised during the Russian military intervention in Syria. It appoints and dismisses judges to the Constitutional Court of Russia, the Supreme Court of Russia, and the Higher Arbitration Court of Russia, as well as the Prosecutor General of Russia. It also conducts the procedure for impeachment of the President.

Leadership and structure

The chamber is presided over by a Chairman, a position held since 2011 by Valentina Matviyenko, former Governor of Saint Petersburg. The First Deputy Chairman is Andrey Turchak. Leadership also includes deputy chairs and chairs of numerous committees, such as the Committee on Constitutional Legislation and the Committee on Defense and Security. Internal organization includes permanent committees covering areas like federal budget, international affairs, and economic policy. The Council operates from its main building at 26 Bolshaya Dmitrovka in Moscow, with its work guided by the Regulations of the Federation Council.

Relationship with other government bodies

As part of the bicameral Federal Assembly of Russia, it works alongside the State Duma, the lower house. While the State Duma initiates most legislation, bills on specific subjects like taxes or ratification of international treaties, such as those with the United Nations, must be reviewed by the Federation Council. The chamber maintains a direct relationship with the President of Russia, confirming presidential nominees for high offices and considering presidential legislative initiatives. It also interacts with the Government of Russia, particularly through hearings with ministers like the Minister of Foreign Affairs and oversight of federal interventions in regions. Its decisions often align with the executive branch, reflecting the dominant role of the United Russia party.

Category:National upper houses Category:Government of Russia Category:1993 establishments in Russia