This coalition of two separate movements, Fatherland and All Russia, was formed in 1999 by the mayors
of Moscow and St Petersburg, Yury Luzhkov and Vladimir Yakovlev. The former prime
minister, Yevgeny Primakov, joined later,
taking first place on its list of candidates for the parliamentary election.
Mr Luzhkov and Mr Primakov are positioned near the
centre of Russian politics, but appeal also to some
nationalist voters. Mr Luzhkov has taken a tough line with
Ukraine over the city of Sevastopol, home of Russia's
Black Sea Fleet, claiming it as Russian property. Mr
Primakov is renowned as a man who believes Russia
should play a major role on the international stage,
forging alliances with Asian partners to challenge the
position of the USA as the world's only superpower.
The participation in Fatherland-All
Russia of governors from numerous regions of Russia, such as the republic of Tatarstan, is a major asset. They ensure support from provincial voters, who are traditionally wary
and jealous of Muscovites.
Fatherland-All Russia was expected to take second place in December's parliamentary election, but instead came third, some distance behind the two leading parties.