BRUSSELS – EU Denounces “Systematic Repression” in Russian Parliamentary Elections

BRUSSELS, September 18 — The European Union criticized today the way parliamentary elections are being held in Russia, saying the process is unfolding in a climate of “systematic and institutionalized repression” as the war in Ukraine continues.

EU spokesperson Christian Wigand told reporters that the way the Duma elections are organized shows, in his view, a continued weakening of democracy in Russia.

According to Wigand, Russian authorities have further intensified measures against opposition political forces, limiting the possibility of democratic opposition forces participating in the electoral process.

The EU also linked its criticism to the political situation created by the war in Ukraine. The spokesperson said repression of the opposition has become “systematic and institutionalized.”

The Brussels statement comes as Russian citizens vote for the 450 members of the Duma, in an electoral process running from Friday to Sunday.

The electoral process has also drawn criticism from Kremlin opponents, who have questioned the possibility of an open political race.

Russian authorities, meanwhile, present the elections as a regular political process.

The EU is expected to assess the election developments and the way they are conducted, including the participation of political forces and respect for democratic standards.

Wigand’s statement represents the position of EU institutions and is not an independent assessment of the voting results.