Russia’s lower house, the State Duma, recently approved a bill banning unauthorized travel abroad for Russian senators and deputies.
The Duma voted unanimously to remove the mandates of Russian deputies and senators if they failed to coordinate their trips abroad, except for business trips, VisaGuide.World reports.
Volodin also ordered the Duma’s Security Committee to draft rules regarding foreign travel for ex-lawmakers who have not had their mandates for “several years.”
He noted that this applies to civil servants, noting that if one is cleared for classified information and has the first form of clearance, five years of restrictions are introduced.
We establish legal consequences if violations are committed. There were no legal consequences. Voters will certainly support us in accepting such self-restrictions.
As he further explains, such a decision is expected to reduce the number of people who want to be elected and rest at the expense of the state and their voters.
Someone will draw conclusions, especially since we are making this decision on the eve of the holidays. This is a factor that should be taken into account.
Russian Lawmakers Approved Bill Banning ‘Foreign Agents’ From Elections
On May 6 of this year, the State Duma approved a draft law prohibiting lawmakers and officials deemed “foreign agents” from seeking political office.
A group of lawmakers proposed the bill after several opposition politicians labeled “foreign agents” announced their plans to register for municipal elections in Moscow scheduled for September. Russia has used its so-called “foreign agent” laws over the past decade to label and punish critics of government policies.
The law also provides for the early termination of the powers of “foreign agents” in government bodies. This will happen 180 days after the law comes into force, provided that the owner’s status has not been cancelled in the registry by that time.
Russian Officials Faced Tougher Rules Due to Fear That They May Be Forced to Give Up Secrets
Meanwhile, in April 2024, the Kremlin said Russian officials face various restrictions on their ability to travel abroad. During this time, it was reported that Russian officials across state bodies faced “chaotic” travel rules for fear of entrapment, disclosure of state secrets or extradition to the West.
Moscow reportedly introduced an informal travel ban for officials in 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine and its ties with the West deteriorated to their lowest point since the Cold War.