A United Russia deputy wants to introduce a bill to the State Duma that would prevent anyone who has not undergone military service from taking legislative or executive positions in the government.
"In a word, it will close the road to public service at the municipal, regional and federal levels of government," the bill's initiator, Defense Committee deputy chairman Franz Klintsevich told Izvestia.
The bill is partially aimed at the children of prominent officials, many of whom become officials themselves without undergoing service, Defense Committee member Andrei Krasov said.
"Military service, of course, brings about a sense of patriotism in young people. Why should we produce, for example, governors who can only talk about this concept with words? This is a principle of social justice," Krasov said.
In Russia, all men are required to undergo military service for one year or serve in an administrative position for three years.
Those who cannot serve for medical reasons or who study in a university past the age of 28 are excluded from serving, though many simply ignore their military obligations or avoid service by living abroad.
The bill is currently planned to be introduced in the fall session, the committee told Izvestia.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
