The Political and Economic Results of January 2013

January 2013 saw yet another surge in protests in Russia – now caused by Vladimir Putin’s approval, on New Year’s eve, of the draft law banning U.S. citizens to adopt Russian orphans (it should be noted that Russia’s authorities have so far failed to offer the orphans anything worth mentioning in return for the lost benefit). Russia’s authorities continued to busily erect some additional political barriers – this time by introducing the possibility for direct gubernatorial elections to be abolished by decision of regional legislatures. Private oil and gas companies were once again - and, in fact, for an indefinite length of time - denied the right to explore and exploit the resources of Russia’s continental shelf, thus dashing hopes that the Government might take a different decision on the matter. However, the Draft Law ‘On the Protection of the Population’s Health from the Effects of Tobacco Smoke…’ – which blatantly favored large retailers at the expense of small businesses – was somewhat mitigated; as a result, many types of small retail businesses will be able to continue trading in tobacco products.