United Russia has developed a "code of public positioning of a State Duma deputy." This is a set of recommendations on behavior for representatives of the faction of the party. In it, in particular, the deputies are advised not to publish photos of a luxurious life, to communicate less with the media and not to write “in social networks in an inadequate state.” RBC got acquainted with the document, its authenticity was confirmed by one of the members of the State Duma.
According to the publication, the "code" consists of the following 11 items. The Insider quotes them unchanged.
- Do not violate the statutory ethical norms of the party by deed, word, text.
- Correlate your position and statements with the basic statutory values of the party, program guidelines and the collegial position of the party on the issue.
- Do not rush to react in your own social networks and comments for the media: the media advantages of “being the first” can turn into a statement “I was wrong” (I misled, deceived, just to “catch the hype”, etc.).
- It is categorically not recommended to comment on the international agenda, military and internal conflicts in other countries without planned preliminary installations or before the official position of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is voiced; subsequent comments should not contradict the official position of the state.
- It is advisable not to comment on special profile questions (especially not to initiate!), if you are not an expert in a topic or industry problem, without consulting experts and partners.
- Categorically do not write in social networks in an inadequate physical and mental state.
- Fulfill the elementary requirements of the culture of speech, do not use obscene vocabulary and jargon, which can be interpreted in two ways or give opponents a reason for trolling.
- Control your emotions and reactions, especially in the case of discussions on social networks and provocations.
- Do not post luxury items, exotic travels and restaurants on your social networks – anything that can create an image of you as a "privileged class" in the eyes of the public.
- “The one who gives quickly gives twice” (lat. Expression): in case of negative resonance, immediately, without waiting for calls from colleagues and discussions about the correctness of the opinion or that “everyone misunderstood me”, etc., bring personal apologize and explain your own mistake.
- Always remember that the opinion of you personally now is the opinion of the entire government and the entire party.
In addition, the "code" contains examples of bad behavior of deputies. Among them is the publication of the deputy Sultan Khamzaev in January 2022. In it, United Russia stands for "holding a referendum in Kazakhstan on the reunification of the republic with the historical homeland of Russia." Also, United Russia does not recommend becoming like MP Oleg Matveychev. He also published a post during the January protests in Kazakhstan, in which he called for violence against the owners of mobile phone shops in Almaty.