Council of Legislators under the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation held Meeting at Tavricheskiy Palace

A meeting of the Council of Legislators of the Russian Federation at the Federal Assembly was held at the Tavricheskiy Palace, dedicated to the Day of Parliamentarism.

The meeting was chaired by Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Chairperson of the IPA CIS Council Valentina Matvienko and First Deputy Chair of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Alexander Zhukov.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Speaker of the upper chamber congratulated participants on the Day of Parliamentarism.

"This year, the holiday has a special anniversary dimension. On 27 April 1906, 120 years ago, Nicholas II delivered his throne speech to the members of the State Duma of the Russian Empire and members of the reformed State Council of the Russian Empire, which, in accordance with the Imperial Manifesto, was granted elective and legislative functions," she said.

According to Valentina Matvienko, the principle of a bicameral parliament has proven its effectiveness and relevance for a multiethnic and multiconfessional country such as Russia, founded on the principles of federalism.

"Over 120 years, Russian parliamentarism has gone through a long path and experienced several major historical turning points. Today, in accordance with the Constitution, each constituent entity of the Federation, regardless of population size, territory or economic indicators, has an equal vote in the Federation Council, which ensures that the position of every region is represented in parliament."

She also noted that an important milestone in the development of parliamentarism was the adoption of constitutional amendments in 2020, which granted both chambers new significant powers and responsibilities.

During the meeting, participants considered measures aimed at strengthening civic unity, as well as interethnic and interfaith harmony.

Alexander Zhukov stated that authorities at all levels are carrying out consistent efforts to strengthen the multinational state.

Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Tatyana Golikova also addressed the meeting. She noted that the main objectives of national policy today are to ensure civic unity, preserve traditional spiritual and moral values, culture and traditions, and strengthen interethnic peace.

The meeting was attended by Secretary General of the IPA CIS Council Dmitriy Kobitskiy and Deputy Secretary General of the IPA CIS Council - Plenipotentiary Representative of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Irina Sokolova.

Before the meeting, the participants familiarized themselves with historical materials from the early 20^th century illustrating the formation of Russia's bicameral parliament. The exhibition featured the text of Nicholas II's throne speech delivered on 27 April 1906, materials from the first sessions of both chambers, and original archival documents preceding these events.