Thirty-one years ago, Russians voted to adopt the current Constitution, crowning a complex and dramatic process that involved politicians, experts, and ordinary citizens of diverse views. As we mark this symbolic state holiday in December 2024, it’s worth reflecting: What does the Constitution mean for each of us today? How does it shape our lives and the values of society and the state? We discussed this with Oleg Rumyantsev, PhD in Law, chair of the Russian Bar Association’s Commission on Constitutional Legal Awareness, and one of the drafters of Russia’s foundational document.
The Ultimate National Bond
MK: As a "parent" of Russia’s Constitution, how would you assess its current state and historical trajectory?
Rumyantsev: The Constitution is our nation’s strongest unifying force. Its preamble begins: "We, the multinational people of the Russian Federation, united by a common destiny on our land…" These words remind us of our responsibility—not just to the state, but to our families and communities. The Constitution is more than a legal text; it embodies a national idea: unity amid diversity, civil peace, and justice. It envisions Russia as a democratic, federal, rule-of-law state—a living program for evolutionary development.
MK: Yet does mutual trust between society and state exist today? How can it be achieved?
Rumyantsev: Trust must be earned. Decisions must be transparent, reasoned, and legitimate. The Constitution mandates balancing societal and individual interests—this is its essence. We need mechanisms to reconcile conflicts: between producers and consumers, urban and rural populations, federalists and regions. Representative bodies exist for this purpose. In these challenging times, choosing rules over "ponyatiya" [unwritten codes] is critical. Constitutionalism answers key questions: Who holds power? How do we prevent abuse? How do we protect rights?
Exceptional governance modes (like pandemics) are temporary. Post-crisis, we must return to constitutional normalcy—a balanced state both society and government should strive for.
Systemic Reforms Are Overdue
MK: Many see the Constitution as abstract, distant from daily struggles. How can legal culture take root?
Rumyantsev: Three steps are urgent:
1. Curb Political Expediency: The primary threat to rule of law is justifying any state action with opaque "post-modern" jargon. Public oversight cannot be ignored—recall how corruption signs around ex-Deputy Defense Minister Timur Ivanov were long ignored.
2.Redefine Elite Models: So-called "elites" hoarding assets via dubious privatization or fraud undermine civic values—accountability, transparency, service to common good. Youth see this hypocrisy.
3.End Systemic Deception: From reversed pension reforms to the erosion of free healthcare, empty promises breed disillusionment. Even wartime bloggers now risk speaking truth—but these are isolated cases. Decision-making systems need overhaul.
MK: Who should drive these changes?
Rumyantsev: State bodies derive legitimacy from free elections—the Constitution’s cornerstone. Without this, checks between branches fail, and "public power" becomes a facade. All political forces must unite behind constitutional evolution, as reflected in Presidential Decree No. 809 on traditional values.
Law enforcement’s ethical training is equally vital. Their daily work—ensuring safety and constitutional rights—determines whether citizens can truly call Russia a rule-of-law state.
Constitutional Consciousness: A Civic Duty
MK: How is constitutional law perceived today?
Rumyantsev: A third of students dismiss it as "irrelevant"—a tragic trend when applied political technology (not principles) dominates education. Yet constitutionalists’ passion is key to making Russia a civilizational bridge between West, East, and Global South. We’re neither "Asian mentality" nor Huntington’s "clash of civilizations." As Dostoevsky said: "Europe is our second homeland."
MK: Who should foster constitutional awareness?
Rumyantsev: Through Gorky’s "My Universities" principle—volunteering, public oversight, local governance, and fearless journalism. Universities must make constitutionalism a core interdisciplinary subject.
The Path Ahead
Russia’s talent and resources can make it a leading constitutional state—but power abuses remain a existential risk. We must:
·Strengthen dialogue between society and government.
·Expand civic participation in decision-making.
·Reinforce checks on state bodies via media and parliament.
·Revive constitutional market economy guarantees, combating monopolies.
Final Words: Let the Constitution’s tenets—popular sovereignty, dignity, solidarity—be more than ritual incantations. We must constantly check our inner compass against its norms.
Source: Moskovsky Komsomolets
Photo: Natalia Gubernatorova