Dual Bombings’ Impact Far Reaching
The German media believes the impact of the dual bombings in Moscow this week is far reaching; affecting civil rights protests, and potentially the 2012 presidential elections.
Süddeutsche Zeitung comments that President Dmitry Medvedev has a chance of defeating Prime Minister Vladimir Prime Minister Putin in the next presidential elections in 2012 if he acts like a hardliner following the bombings. The paper, Germany's largest national subscription daily, believes Medvedev has to show the people that he is able to secure the country and that he can act with strength which many Russians believe he lacks.
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung also comments that following the bombings, civil rights might be restricted even further in Russia. A regular demonstration held on the 31st of every month to support article 31 of the Russian constitution (guaranteeing the right of assembly and demonstration), cannot take place today, as youth groups supporting United Russia's plan a commemoration.