The leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party appears inclined to back Leonid Slutsky as the party chairman. Yaroslav Nilov, a member of the party’s Supreme Council and a deputy of the State Duma, disclosed this perspective in statements collected by socialbites.ca.
“Several colleagues and regional branches have voiced support for Slutsky Leonid Eduardovich. The coordinated effort of our deputies, the Supreme Council, and regional branches rallying behind Slutsky provides a basis to expect that his candidacy could be supported by the Supreme Council,” Nilov noted.
The LDPR High Council currently consists of thirteen members. A meeting is scheduled for next week to determine, by simple majority, which candidates for the chairmanship should proceed to the congress for consideration.
Although the Supreme Council’s stance will carry significant weight, the final decision rests with delegates at the party congress scheduled for May 27.
“All candidates are nominated at Congress as part of a standard procedure defined in the statutes. Those who believe they should seek the position at Congress will be nominated. Following that, delegates appointed by district conferences will vote. The party’s press secretary explained that delegates decide by secret ballot, as in regular elections.”
On May 18, Leonid Slutsky was elected head of the LDPR faction in the State Duma, and while he has not publicly announced plans to nominate himself for the party chairmanship, several party members have expressed support for his bid.
“Slutsky is a highly capable and experienced figure who has led the most intricate international committee within the State Duma for some time. Consequently, it seems clear that his experience could aid him in the leadership role at the LDPR,” commented a party member. “I cannot judge the abilities of other candidates, but Leonid Eduardovich appears to be professional and likely to pursue constructive work as party leader.”
Who are the challengers?
Despite visible support for Slutsky among some party members, opposition exists within the Supreme Council. As early as May 16, Duma member and former deputy Alexander Sherin signaled his intention to contend in the upcoming elections.
In a video posted on social media, he announced that his candidacy had already been submitted to give party members ample time for discussion.
“I believe I have the right to take this position alongside other worthy people, including myself,” Sherin stated. “The ultimate decision should be made by the party membership, and by delegates to the congress who reflect the real sentiment of regional activists.”
When asked to assess Slutsky, Sherin declined to comment on others, noting that the strongest competition might come from Igor Lebedev, Vladimir Zhirinovsky’s son. Lebedev has not publicly declared intent to run for the chairmanship and previously paused his participation in national politics in 2021.
In addition to Sherin, former State Duma deputy Vitaly Zolochevsky—who has stepped back from public life for several years—also announced his candidacy via social networks, and urged party members to support him, presenting himself as the earliest option among contenders.
Nilov remarked that only three individuals had publicly declared their candidacy, highlighting Stanislav Baretsky, a St. Petersburg public figure, as being on par with Sherin and Zolochevsky. Baretsky had, in the last party congress, signaled potential leadership ambitions but did not secure broad backing.
What lies ahead for the Liberal Democratic Party?
The path forward at the LDPR convention remains uncertain. The party has indicated a continued adherence to the legacy associated with Vladimir Zhirinovsky, while also pursuing new proposals and ideas in response to current domestic and global conditions.
One party official stressed that the organization aims to preserve and build upon Zhirinovsky’s legacy, noting that reforms have been modest and aligned with the broader goal of defending the Russian world on the international stage.
Voices within the party emphasize that Zhirinovsky’s legacy could help the LDPR secure future victories and solidify its standing in elections. Opinion leaders also stressed that the party’s direction will largely hinge on the presidential race and the level of support enjoyed by its chosen delegates at the congress.
Analysts suggest that the LDPR’s trajectory will depend on how effectively the party coordinates its internal factions and how well its candidates resonate with regional activists. The ultimate outcome will reflect the strength and cohesion of the delegates chosen to represent the party at the congressional level.