Volodin Elected State Duma Speaker for Record Third Term

Vyacheslav Volodin has been elected speaker of Russia's State Duma for a third consecutive term, setting a record for the position, according to Meduza.

Meduza reports that Volodin opened the new Duma convocation's first session with remarks instructing deputies, underscoring his continued central role in managing the chamber's proceedings.

A Record-Setting Tenure

Meduza's report raises questions about what makes Volodin so valuable to President Vladimir Putin, suggesting that beyond demonstrative loyalty, observers see little else distinguishing his standing, though the outlet does not elaborate further on this characterization within the excerpt available.

The State Duma is the lower house of Russia's parliament, and its speaker plays a significant role in shepherding legislation and setting the chamber's procedural tone. Volodin has held the post since 2016, making this his third consecutive election to the role following the most recent Duma elections.

Meduza's report frames the speakership as closely tied to Volodin's relationship with Putin, though specific details of that dynamic beyond the loyalty framing were not included in the available excerpt.