Yabloko is Russia's leading liberal party, with a programme that seeks to spread the benefits of economic reform throughout society, fostering a middle class, and protecting the poor.
In its parliamentary election campaign, Yabloko promised action to combat corruption, and measures to
consolidate the institutions of civil society, including an
independent judiciary, trade unions, developed political
parties, and a free press.
In 1996 Yabloko was severely critical of Russia's military
operation in Chechnya. Party leader Grigory Yavlinsky
said: "This is the bloodiest autocratic regime since World
War Two." Its criticism of the latest operation has been more muted.
Yabloko succeeded in acquiring ex-prime minister
Sergey Stepashin as the second figure on its list of
candidates. A former Russian ambassador to
Washington, Vladimir Lukin, was the third.
Its won fewer votes than expected in the December elections, but remains a significant force in the new parliament.