Russia flagPolitics & Government Guide

Political system, governance structure, stability indicators, and democratic institutions in Russia

Russia operates as a federal semi-presidential republic dominated by President Vladimir Putin, with the United Russia party holding a supermajority in the State Duma. The government under Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin was restructured in May 2024 amid ongoing centralization of power. Political indicators reflect low levels of democracy, press freedom, and high corruption perceptions.

Political Stability

Poor

Corruption Index

Below Average

Democracy Index

Poor

Government Type

Federal semi-presidential republic

Legal System

Civil law system

Head of State

President Vladimir Putin(since 2012)

Head of Government

Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin(United Russia)since 2020

Political Indicators

Political Stability
-1.2Rank #170

Scale: -2.5 to 2.5

Weak

World Bank (2024)

Corruption Index
26Rank #141

Scale: 0-100

Transparency International (2024)

Press Freedom
17.9Rank #162

Scale: 0-100

Very Serious

Reporters Without Borders (2025)

Democracy Index
2.22Rank #144

Scale: 0-10

Authoritarian

Economist Intelligence Unit (2024)

Legislature

Type:bicameral
Upper House:Federation Council (170 seats)
Lower House:State Duma (450 seats)

Major Political Parties

United Russia(ER)

Big tent

324 seats
Communist Party of the Russian Federation(CPRF)

Left-wing

57 seats
Liberal Democratic Party of Russia(LDPR)

Right-wing

23 seats

Voting Rights

Citizens aged 18 and older have the right to vote in national elections.

Recent Developments

  • Government resigned and Mikhail Mishustin's second cabinet approved on May 14, 2024 following presidential inauguration
  • Executive Order signed on May 7, 2024 setting Russia's development goals through 2030 and until 2036
  • Union State programs for 2024-2026 signed with Belarus
  • Constitutional reforms continued with increased presidential control in 2024
Voting Age18
SuffrageUniversal
Constitution1993
Federal subjects89