It is not posted for björnkramar when prime minister Stefan Löfven meets with president Vladimir Putin in st. Petersburg on Tuesday. They both have never been alone together before, and it is no coincidence. Russia has become a permanent concern in our part of the world and is the cause of Sweden’s deteriorating security position.
but it was Putin’s annexation of the Crimea five years ago and the subsequent military attack on the Ukraine, which forced a reassessment of the situation in the Baltic sea region and throughout Europe. The kremlin drew up the new borders with violence, and broke against the order which has been in place since the second world war. The EU and the united states imposed economic sanctions that there is no reason to lift as long as the behavior is the same.
Violations of Swedish airspace and other Russian provocations soothes not the feelings. That Löfven meets Putin is nothing strange. However, no one shall have any expectation of results.
the foreign investment plummets also depends on the absence of a rule of law.
This also applies to Swedish companies. The Russian economy is still weak after a few years of deep crisis. The foreign investment plummets also depends on the absence of a rule of law.
ever since Putin regained the presidency in 2012. Real wages have fallen by 13 percent since then. The economy is still extremely dependent on oil and gas exports, and suffers from the collapse of world market prices in 2014. The government has tried to offset the state budget by raising the retirement age and vat. The result has been sharply declining confidence figures for the president. But he is not interested in economic reforms, but to retain control.
For entrepreneurs, the climate is risky. Several thousand Russian businessmen have ended up behind bars, often on the basis of the competitors ‘ intrigues. Where has the state security services, constantly a finger in the game. Arrests and convictions are commissioned.
The american venture capitalist Michael Calvey sits caged since February because of a dispute with a Russian magnate. It gives no further advertising of other potential investors.
by the ubiquitous corruption and the authorities ‘ discretion. Freedom of expression is greatly curtailed, independent organizations and opposition are being harassed.
Already in the beginning of its maktinnehav saw Putin to take over television, as a long time was the population’s main news source. The Internet has made it, especially as more and more russians are downloading more and more of their information there. It is trying to the Kremlin to solve by restricting freedom even online and in social media. ”Disrespect” against the state is now punishable.
with its authoritarian system. He must at the same time keep the other powers in a good mood, it may be rocky oligarchs or state toppbyråkrater. The detention of the former minister, Mikhail Abyzov, one of prime minister Dmitry Medvedev’s proteges, may be a sign of maktapparatens internal battles. Alternatively, the moons of the president to not let anyone feel safe.
the united states has kept the garden up against Russia, despite president Trumps appreciation of a colleague Putin. The EU’s sanctions comprise, although some member states curls. It is important that the western front remains intact.
could convince Putin to reform, but it is not very likely. Most of the time going in the wrong direction in Russia. Therefore, they have currently not much sense to talk about.
