The first session of the new State Duma: how did it all go?

Kremlin today

The first meeting of the 8th State Duma was held in Moscow. At the beginning of the session Valentina Tereshkova (United Russia), Svetlana Savitskaya (CPRF), Vladimir Zhirinovsky (LDPR), Galina Khovanskaya (Just Russia), and Alexei Nechayev (New People) said parting words to the deputies. Then the newly elected deputies made their first decisions: they elected the Duma’s chairman and set the schedule by which the sessions will be held.

Usually, the oldest deputy begins the first meeting – in the current Duma this is Vladimir Resin. However, according to “Vedomosti”, he allowed former cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova to read the opening remarks. A member of United Russia congratulated the deputies on their election to office.

interfax.ru

After Tereshkova, the opening speeches were read by several other members of the State Duma. Savitskaya from the KPRF wished the Duma deputies to adhere to Article 55 of the Constitution, which prohibits passing laws which infringe people’s rights and freedoms. 

According to the Vedomosti newspaper, Khovanskaya (Fair Russia) also said parting words: 

«You have not come for a mandate, not for a car, not for any other benefits, you have come here to work for people, for their benefit and for the future of our country». 

On behalf of «United Russia», which received a constitutional majority, Tereshkov spoke. In her speech, she reminded the deputies of the level of trust and responsibility of the deputies. The former astronaut noted that the electoral majority was not a privilege, but a great responsibility to voters. 

РБК

After the opening speeches, the Duma began its work. The newly elected deputies adopted a post on the work of the State Duma. Sessions will now be held twice a week. At the last seven days of each month, parliamentarians will serve in the regions. 

The deputies also elected a chairman, who became Vyacheslav Volodin again. He received 360 votes. His main rival was Dmitry Novikov, who gained 61 votes.