In dismissing Russian Premier Evgueny Primakov on May 12th 1999, President Boris Eltsin has declared war to the Communist-led parliament which has been trying to demote him. Jewish-born Primakov, 70, had notably launched an anti-corruption campaign which was aimed at certain members of President Eltsin's entourage. In addition, this former head of Russia's counter-espionage services was close to the Communists who have been opposed to the government's economic reforms.
The mandate of President Eltsin will nevertheless be terminated at the end of this year when a new presidential election is due to be held in Russia. In the meantime, political life there will surely remain deadlocked.