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Where MPs get employment after they leave Duma

The Duma ceased to be a decision-making body, and the mandate of a MP no longer guarantes personal immunity

MOSCOW, November 29 (Itar-Tass) — Every ninth deputy to the fifth Duma quit his working place and found a new job, the Vedomosti writes. The Duma ceased to be a decision-making body, and the mandate of a MP no longer guarantes personal immunity.

The lower chamber of the Russian parliament set the record by the number of MPs, who quit their posts and took up new jobs, the newspaper writes. They were not only promoted to higher posts, but also took up the jobs, which previously were regarded as less presigious.

A total of 51 Duma members took up new jobs after February 2008, and most of them are from the United Russia (UR) Party. The figure is comparable with the numerical strength of a whole faction. Many MPs left the Duma and went to work in riegional administrations. Five MPs from UR becme governors. Vladimir Gruzdev, who was appointed governor of the Tula Region, invited three MPs to work as his assistants.

UR MP Vyacheslav Volodin, deputy speaker of the Duma, got the most prestigious post: he was appointed head of the government staff and deputy pime minister. Five MPs were appointed deputy ministers. Alexander Koval was appointed head of the Federal Service for Insurance Supervision. Several MPs managed to move to the Federation Council. Even a law was adopted, which made it possible for Duma members to be transferred to the Federation Council.

Another four MPs left their places in the Duma for posts of members of regional councils. Previously it was regarded as demotion, but today a deputy to a regional council could influence political and personnel decision-making. Regional councils are more independent in amending their charters, than the Duma, political scientist Alexander Kynev believes. It is better to play an important role in one’s native region, than to be one of 450 deputies to the Duma, a UR MP, who went to work for a regional council, told The Vedomosti.