Russian spring? Suprise setback for Putin

Russia’s first general election since the advent of the smartphone offers up a surprise setback for Vladimir Putin. Are nascent protests the sign of a burgeoning democracy, or indeed the beginning of the end for the team that has now ruled for over a decade?

DEBATE

Misha MOST, Russian artist;
Natalia NAROCHNITSKAYA, President, Institute of Democracy and Cooperation; Former member of the State Duma of the Russian Federation;
Galia ACKERMAN, Head of Russian Department, "Politique Internationale"(quarterly review);
Douglas HERBERT, France 24 International Affairs editor;
Vladimir SMEKHOV, France 24 journalist.
Watch the second part

Presenter

François Picard

21/05/2013 - THE DEBATE

More English? Non merci

Is loosening a ban on English-language classes in French universities akin to waving the white flag of surrender or a way of getting the French in on the global conversation? Passions run high in a debate that splits both academics and politicians.

(1) comment

20/05/2013 - THE DEBATE

Plotting Algeria's course (part 2)

Speculation over Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s health highlights Algeria’s longstanding culture of secrecy, amid worries over what will follow once the last generation to have fought the war of independence dies out.

20/05/2013 - THE DEBATE

Plotting Algeria's course

16/05/2013 - THE DEBATE

Hollande's rebuttal: French president meets the press (part 2)

In the face of recession and dismal poll numbers, the French president promises to go on the offensive, but by staging his grand bi-annual press conference one day after a trip to Brussels, does François Hollande give the impression he’s come with his marching orders?