Tatarstan has gained international recognition for its tough-minded negotiations with Moscow to achieve regional economic autonomy while maintaining political stability. It was in Kazan that Boris Yeltsin made his oft-quoted statement to the regions of Russia: "Take as much sovereignty as you can swallow". Tatarstan took its at his words.
Mintimer Shaimiev was elected the first President of Republic of Tatarstan in June 1991, the same day that Boris Yeltsin was elected the first President of Russian Federation. For negotiating the path-breaking agreement with Moscow and maintaining political stability Shaimiev enjoys overwhelming popularity in Tatarstan and as widely expected was reelected for a second five-year term in June 1996.
Other regions in Russia are following the path of Tatarstan and signing treaties with Moscow, a complex process to build a more healthy and decentralized Russian Federation. Outside observers have also proposed the "Tatarstan model" to resolve regional issues in federal states beyond Russia.
No comments:
Post a Comment