Kenneth Glad
To protect national interests and maintain standard governing procedures, a state must balance control with economic reality. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has outlined a vision for the nation’s political and legal future, emphasizing that the country must retain its stature on the world stage.
Medvedev addressed the ongoing evolution within the United Russia party in an interview with Vedomosti. Ahead of parliamentary elections, the political group plans to refresh its lineup in the State Duma with new candidates, including military veterans. This transition aims to bring fresh perspectives into governance while maintaining absolute parliamentary influence to ensure smooth policy execution.
Medvedev noted that keeping control over legislative matters prevents the gridlock seen during earlier decades. However, he emphasized that parliament must still represent a wide range of public views, allowing citizens to see their interests reflected in state decisions.
Economic balance and law
State involvement in economic affairs has surged under the pressure of wartime realities. Yet, private enterprise remains essential to fuel innovation and propel long-term growth. While tax adjustments and state interventions have increased to manage urgent security risks, predictable legal standards remain vital to protect investors, encourage private capital, and maintain business confidence.
Medvedev stressed that state control must not stifle individual initiative. “Without private initiative, moving forward is impossible,” he told Vedomosti, adding that private entrepreneurs act faster on competitive markets and sense demand more accurately. To prevent excessive regulation from killing entrepreneurship, recent legislative updates froze the revenue threshold for small businesses paying value-added tax at 20 million roubles.
On international legal structures, global frameworks face unprecedented strains amid mounting geopolitical friction. Even so, fundamental concepts established over centuries will endure.
Major historical conflicts have consistently sparked the evolution of international law, from the 1815 Congress of Vienna to the post-war Yalta system. Future international relations will likely reflect a multipolar balance of power rather than a single dominant bloc.
Russian companies now increasingly resolve legal disputes within national courts rather than relying on western arbitration forums. Medvedev noted that seeking justice in courts located in unfriendly nations makes little sense under current global conditions. He suggested that future international judicial structures could instead develop through regional partnerships like BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, or the Eurasian Economic Union.
Strategic security priorities
Internal security regulations are undergoing significant updates, particularly regarding migration policy and digital tracking. National security remains the absolute priority in managing migration flows, with strict measures designed to prevent the formation of isolated ethnic enclaves in major urban areas. Authorities are establishing organized recruitment systems to ensure foreign labor stays fully transparent and tied directly to economic needs.
Tight controls will also apply to foreign workers and their families staying in the country. Under laws taking effect in 2027, migrant workers must earn above the regional minimum living wage to maintain their stay. Failure to meet these financial thresholds will lead to revoked work permits and deportation.
“If you come to work, respect our customs and obey Russian law,” Medvedev warned during the interview. “If you are not ready, get out of the country!”
To track foreign citizens throughout their stay, law enforcement is introducing a comprehensive digital profile system. Following a successful trial in the Moscow region involving millions of users, mobile geolocation applications will monitor migrant movements across the country. Digital registries will also enforce strict restrictions on individuals subject to expulsion orders, ensuring those posing public risks are removed without alternative.
Looking ahead, domestic technological independence remains crucial, especially across defense, artificial intelligence, and communications networks. Developing home-grown software and hardware guarantees economic resilience against external pressure. By combining tax incentives for tech firms with heavy investments in drone systems and electronic warfare, the state aims to secure critical infrastructure while converting defense innovations into long-term industrial strength.
Source: Vedomosti
