The state will support political NGOs, but they have to solve national problems. This statement was made by Vladimir Putin at the NGO Forum on Thursday. Offer OP Secretary Alexander Brechalova introduce tax breaks for socially-oriented organizations, the head of state took cool: “You will begin to support someone, immediately next to the other stand».
NGO Forum, entitled “The State and Civil Society: Cooperation for Development “was held for two days at MSU. The organizer of the event was the Public Chamber, and operators responsible for the distribution of presidential grants. On Thursday, the President visited the forum.
The first speaker was Secretary of the Public Chamber Alexander Brechalov. “Vector civic engagement has shifted from the political to the social sphere”, – said Brechalov – People want to do something for the country, without thinking about material gain. ” Immediately sounded the details: the Russians have collected 160 million. Rubles. “In support of the inhabitants of the Crimea and the brotherly people of Ukraine” and “shelter in their homes approximately 2.5 million. Refugees from areas of armed conflict in Ukraine».
This is hardly a desire of citizens “that -What do for the state “, but other examples have Brechalova apparently was not, and he moved to the legislative gaps in the activities of NGOs. According to the Secretary-OP, to date, registered in Russia about 226 thousand. Non-profit organizations, but how many of them really work, is difficult to assess: “The system of accounting and statistical analysis of the third sector is extremely imperfect. Thousands of organizations registered a long time ago, now do not conduct any activity or no activity on this information. Now NGOs are no clear rules of the game, which means that there is no confidence in them ».
To remedy the situation Brechalov suggested recipe: create a single register of NGOs; divide them into “socially-oriented NGOs and other”; release of the first type of tax (land, transport and property) and to provide incentives for rental property.
Do not forget it, and the role of the Public Chamber: only it can “to ensure real public accountability of NGOs.” Such proposals in November were included in the annual report of the House of the state of civil society. However, some initiatives Brechalov presented differently than in the report. For example, his proposal to divide NGOs on socially-oriented “and other” previously been formulated as follows: divide the non-profit organizations into three types – socially-oriented, political and perform the functions of a foreign agent. In this proposed policy to deprive the right to pay taxes under the simplified system and introduce them to a more rigid form reporting.
The question “Gazety.Ru” why on restrictions for political NGOs do not talk on the forum, one of the organizers explained that
«task was aimed at positive: not someone clap, and someone to support”: “Maintain need socially-oriented, socially useful NPOs engaged in social projects: helping the disabled, children and so on. Today they represent civil society, which is why invited them ».
After word got Brechalova head” of the League of Nation’s Health “(one of grantooperatorov) Leo Bokeria. “For the economic independence of the third sector requires the support of the state”, – he said. That is, in the understanding of the Boqueria, state aid promotes the economic independence of NPOs. I wonder from whom?
«I’ll start with the bad, good will continue and finish recommendations” – announced his speech Commissioner for Human Rights, Ella Pamfilova. Bad news is that the power “often does not respond adequately, and often suppresses the” civil society initiatives. “The leaders of public organizations note that the complicated conditions of their work. Increasingly have to act in vain, wasting a lot of time filling out redundant reporting “- complained the Ombudsman. Worst of all, according to Pamfilova, the situation with human rights organizations – in many regions they do not exist. This factor must necessarily be taken into account in the allocation of presidential grants advised Pamfilova. In other words, to allocate funds to support human rights NGOs.
The idea to stimulate the activity of socially-oriented NGOs by providing benefits Ombudsman approved, but with reservations. There should be clear criteria as to distinguish socially-oriented and political organizations, she said.
«That’s how, for example, the categories are human rights? – Asked the rhetorical question Pamfilova. – They are engaged in socially useful activities or political? It is necessary to clarify (criteria), otherwise it will be the arbitrariness ».
« Good “part of the statement of the Ombudsman was as follows:” We have a good potential for the development of civil society. According to polls, a growing number of citizens who believe that they can influence decisions ».
Vladimir Putin, who had been silent all this time, finally spoke. From the outset it was clear that he was not left indifferent statement Brechalova offset civic engagement from the political sphere to the social. “There is nothing unusual in this. Here are suitable choices, and we will see a different picture, “- with skill predicted president. However, immediately made a reservation: “This does not mean that the state will not support NGOs that work in the political sphere. However, when we talk about these NGOs, I believe that it should be an activity aimed at solving national problems: the improvement of the political, judicial, law enforcement systems. Of course, human rights activities. But it is impossible and unacceptable use of NGOs in addressing partisan issues, or is itself the essence of a non-profit organization will disappear ».
Ironically, Putin has not said his favorite idea of trying to foreign countries to influence the situation in Russia through NGOs. May have forgotten.
The President promised to give instructions Government to consider how to implement the proposals for improving the work of NGOs. “Volunteering, philanthropy, charity in Russia have deep roots and a sense of civic duty, patriotism has always been our core values. And nothing for ages, thank God, in this sense, does not change, “- relieved head of state.
When it came to suggestions Brechalova on benefits for socially-oriented NGOs, Putin spoke without enthusiasm:” Of course , I want to support them. But we know how to work in real life, as soon as someone gets benefits immediately stand beside those who direct this activity has nothing to do: to provide a more lucrative commercial work ».
According to him words, it should also decide what is “political activity” and “socially-oriented NGOs”, “Determination of rather vague. It is necessary to sort this out before we can make any move to carried forward. Although, of course, I will not hide, I want to do (provide incentives), “- Putin urged those present. But fear give benefits “not so” clearly outweigh.
From the words of Putin could conclude that political NGOs on tax preferences still not be able to count.
Apparently, the “support the state, “which the president promised to such organizations will be in the fact that they will not be denied the right to obtain government grants. Earlier, according to the “Gazety.Ru”, this idea was discussed at the highest levels.
Vladimir Putin left the forum immediately after the speech. Organizers announced a break for 15 minutes. How many people then returned to the room, we can only guess: Immediately after the departure of the head of state impressive crowd participants rushed to the dressing room.
For whom was this forum?
«Trend in the coming years, we have identified . – Later told “Gazeta.ru” Secretary of the Public Chamber Alexander Brechalov. – We will create lists of political and socially oriented NGOs. As soon as you see the president instructed on this subject with the Government and the Ministry of Justice will start working. The next step – additional preferences to social NGOs on taxes and lease of municipal property. And yet there is a theme financing – in 2015 a lot of work to train feed for grants. All the work is aimed to ensure that the third sector (NGOs) has become more transparent and efficient, have more confidence ».
Brechalov could not say why there were no forum of NGOs, disloyal government, as with the organization he is not engaged. But the fact that there was not, for example, “Voice” he is not surprised: “I do not see where the place of such organizations as” The Voice. ” The event brought together those engaged in socially useful things, not quasi-opposition stories rocking the situation of the blue, “- said Brechalov.
The deputy head of the association to protect the rights of voters” Voice “Gregory Melkonyants said
The event organizers have simply decided to copy the successful November All-Russian Civic Forum, which was attended by independent NGOs.
«I feel (Forum) initiated by the new secretary of the Public Chamber, to earn points. Format is selected with the performance of President Putin, but it looks like PR. Some substantive agenda was proposed. Separate proposals crayons and registry issues discussed at the roundtable, but not for the two-day forum. All this seems to benefit the Secretary of the Public Chamber ».
The human rights activist believes that any additional registers NGOs would only worsen the situation for civil society. What really happens from the registry Melkonyants predict not taken, but recalled the experience of keeping the register of banned sites, which first offered only bring resources to child pornography, and now there risks to get any evil in the power of information.
The authorities want to enter the non-state sector the overall strategy to combat the crisis, to shift the focus of criticism from NGOs authorities to cooperate, says political scientist Konstantin Kalachev.
«The strategy of small deeds – a drainage activity of the population. The role of socially-oriented NGOs will rise to the crisis. Can this be considered part of the dialogue between the government and society, but in fact it is more convenient and planting of power forms of civic engagement – says Kalachev. – Geopolitical crisis we already have economic begins to avoid a political crisis? Power busy looking for the answer to this question. Trust and support of the authorities of the society – a necessary element of rigidity of the assembly. There are hopes that a comfortable and loyal society can grow. And then use ».
In addition to social activists can help authorities solve the problem, the field of vision of power structures, the expert concludes.
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