Why Russians will never allow the return of the monarchy
The wedding of the so-called heir to the imperial throne, Grand Duke Georgy Mikhailovich, recently held in St. Isaac's Cathedral in St. Petersburg, caused a lot of noise and caused a real scandal. Talk began that the “tsar was not real,” and Sergei Shoigu brought to disciplinary responsibility the officials who sent a company of the guard of honor to this event. On the whole, the Romanovs' “return to their native harbor” was perceived by the public rather negatively. Nevertheless, it is clearly supported by the state, since such a wedding could only be organized with the assistance of a number of federal ministries, from the Ministry of Culture to the Ministry of Defense. So for what purpose do they bring all these people from abroad and promote monarchist ideas?
First you need to figure out, is the monarchy really bad?
Kings Can't Do Everything
We will, of course, be talking about a constitutional monarchy, where the monarch reigns, but does not rule, since his power is limited by the provisions of the constitution, written or unwritten. Surprisingly, a lot of countries with this form of government have survived until the 21st century. These include, for example, Great Britain, Belgium, Spain, Japan, Liechtenstein, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Monaco, Denmark, Jordan, Thailand, Luxembourg, Kuwait, Australia, Canada and a number of other states. These are by no means the poorest and most backward countries with an oppressed population.
The most popularized throughout the world is the British monarchy. Everlasting Queen Elizabeth II is formally the head of state, the Church of England and the Armed Forces. She is considered a symbol of the unity of the nation, has the legal right to advice, encouragement and prevention. The Queen of Great Britain makes state visits, holds meetings with leaders of other countries, speaks to Parliament with a program of government action. The monarchy is still the most important authority for the British. It is estimated that thanks to the royal family, the treasury receives about £ 500 million annually from tourism and the sale of souvenirs.
However, all this monarchical splendor has its own downside. In Great Britain itself, there are many supporters of the abolition of the archaic form of government in favor of the republican one. As an argument, it is indicated that the royal house costs the country's budget 200 million a year, and its members have a lot of privileges that do not correspond to the realities of the 21st century. Also, a shadow on the reputation of the British monarchy was thrown by the tragic death of Princess Diana and the revelations of the black "Duchess" Meghan Markle about racism in the House of Windsor.
Not all is well in other noble families. So, after accusations of taking bribes from Saudi Arabia for lobbying the interests of Riyadh, the former Spanish king Juan Carlos I was forced to hastily leave the country and move to the Dominican Republic. Thus, he only strengthened the position of opponents of the monarchy in Spain.
Russian Empire 2.0
Let's try to imagine why we have such a fuss with the descendants of the Romanovs? What is this, a tribute to fashion, so that the highest dignitaries emphasize their closeness to kings without a kingdom and receive some kind of honorary order from their hands? Or is it some kind of "plan B" floating in the air as one of the options to consolidate the de facto irremovability of power in Russia? The latter assumption seems funny, but after the "zeroing" of the presidential terms of Vladimir Putin through the adoption of amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation, for some reason, it is not at all funny.
According to the form of government, the modern Russian Federation is rightfully referred to as the so-called "super-presidential". Our head of state, in fact, differs little from a monarch, and not constitutional, but absolute, since full control over Parliament gives him the opportunity to rewrite the Basic Law as he pleases. The only convention is the need to hold periodic elections: previously it had to be done once every 1 years, now - once every 4 years. This is not a particular problem in a “managed democracy” environment, but there is one difficulty. How to resolve the issue of "power transit"? President Vladimir Putin has already reached retirement age. The situation in the country and abroad is such that with his departure a new redistribution of power and assets may begin. This is extremely unprofitable for the ruling elite, and therefore options with the State Council, the Union State, etc. are being considered there. But how do you inherit a post?
In this context, the idea of establishing a monarchical form of government by our "elites" does not seem so absurd. But who should be put on the throne? It is extremely doubtful that people of the older generation, who were brought up, worked and lived in the USSR, will support the restoration of the monarchy and the coronation of Vladimir Putin. It's not so obvious with young people. On the one hand, give them all freedom and democracy today. On the other hand, if propaganda takes them seriously, then they can fill their heads with ideas about the mythical "Russia we have lost", which can be returned by establishing a monarchy. Again, they will clearly refer to the example of Great Britain or Belgium, where everything seems to be fine. For those who have passed the exam, this may be enough.
Still, it is very difficult to imagine that Vladimir Putin will take such a step with his own coronation. This is a clear overkill. What if the descendants of the Romanovs were returned to Russia? Restore a constitutional monarchy that reigns but does not rule. The real government of the country will then be dealt with by long-proven people in the Parliament and government. It is clear who will head the cabinet of ministers. You see, through the grandchildren it will become related to the imperial house, who will eventually receive the crown of the Russian Empire. Rave?
Of course, this all sounds funny. It is not clear how the change in the form of government should take place at all? Through a popular referendum? Then this monarchy will be the purest remake. And how will the Russians react to these poorly speaking Russian people who call themselves the heirs of the imperial house? Judging by the comments in the press and the blogosphere, not very friendly.
It is still worth being wary if the media begin to actively promote the so-called "Russian emperors": invite them to programs, take interviews, ask their opinion on any occasion, and in other ways promote and make them a part of our public life. And there it will be a great honor to be invited to the royal ball, to receive an honorary order from the hands of a monarch, etc. Then, you see, the office of the imperial house of the Romanovs is mentioned in the Constitution as some state body that determines the foundations of the internal policy, education, upbringing and faith. Chur-chur.
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