According to Upstreamonline.com, although 341 of the 450-strong parliamentary body backed the bill, the approval has sparked fierce backlash and claims that Russia is attempting to create armies for its already powerful state cartels.
Indeed, the Times Online cited Gennadi Gudkov, one of the Duma members who opposed the proposal, as saying: This law envisages the creation of corporate armies. If we pass this law, we will all become servants of Gazprom and Transneft.
Nevertheless, those responsible for the bill are reported to have claimed that it is not intended to give Gazprom and Transneft disproportionate power, but rather to help them defend their installations. At present, the companies can only hire from external security firms.
Upstreamonline.com cited Alexander Gurov, one of the Duma members to approve the proposal, as claiming that, in the face of terrorist attacks, Russia would be seen as an undependable energy supplier. Russia exports vast amounts of oil and gas to Europe and beyond through its pipelines.
The Times Online reported that the proposal still needs to be approved by the upper house of the parliament and president Putin himself before it becomes legally binding. However, critics are warning that full approval could lead to other corporations demanding the same rights.
