AA / Moscow / Elena Teslova
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Thursday that the BRICS economic bloc might establish its own parliament in the future.
Addressing participants of the 10th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in St. Petersburg, Putin said regular meetings of lawmakers from BRICS nations would contribute to the creation of a parliament.
“BRICS does not yet have its own institutionalized parliamentary structure. However, I am confident that this idea will materialize in the future. I am convinced that your forum will contribute to this,” he said.
The Russian President commended the efforts of parliamentarians in forging ties between BRICS member countries and addressing issues of socio-economic development, improving national well-being, reducing international tensions, and establishing “a more equitable, more democratic, more multipolar, and more multilateral world order.”
“The emergence of a world order reflecting the true balance of power and the new geopolitical, economic, and demographic reality is a complex, often painful process. This is primarily due to the fierce resistance of the ruling elites of the so-called ‘golden billion’ states,” he said.
Putin underscored the pressure exerted on those who adopt independent stances, stating that coercion, unilateral sanctions, selective application of trade rules, and blackmail are practices contrary to international law.
The Russian President added that BRICS prioritizes positive changes in the global economy, focusing on increasing the share of national currencies in trade and investment, as well as developing safe and reliable financial instruments and mutual settlement mechanisms.
On the sidelines of the forum, Vladimir Putin met separately with the speakers of the Chinese and Tanzanian parliaments, Zhao Leji and Tulia Ackson, respectively.
The BRICS, founded in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, were joined by South Africa in 2011, and their name, formed from the first letters of the names of the founding countries, became BRICS.
Six more countries joined the group last December, but it was decided that the group would retain its current name.
*Translated from English by Mourad Belhaj
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BRICS Aims for a Unified Parliament: Putin’s Vision for a Multipolar World
In a significant move towards solidifying the BRICS bloc’s global influence, Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed the creation of a BRICS parliament. This vision, outlined during the 10th BRICS Parliamentary Forum in St. Petersburg, marks a potential shift in the global political landscape.
BRICS Parliament: A Vision for Shared Governance
Putin emphasized that the BRICS, a group of emerging economies comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, currently lacks an organized parliamentary structure. He expressed his conviction that the forum would play a crucial role in fostering the development of such an entity.
"BRICS does not yet have its own institutionalized parliamentary structure," Putin stated. "But I am convinced that this idea will become a reality in the future. I am convinced that your forum will contribute to this."
The potential establishment of a BRICS parliament reflects a desire for greater collaboration and coordination among member countries on matters of mutual interest, particularly in the face of a rapidly changing global order.
BRICS: A Counterbalance to Western Dominance
Putin’s call for a BRICS parliament aligns with his broader vision of a multipolar world, one that challenges the dominance of the West. He highlighted the BRICS’ commitment to achieving a more equitable and democratic global order, stressing the need to address the power imbalances that currently prevail.
"The emergence of a world order reflecting the true balance of power and the new geopolitical, economic and demographic reality is a complex, often painful process," he said. "This is mainly due to the fierce resistance of the ruling elites of the so-called ‘golden billion’ states."
Putin underscored the challenges faced by nations pursuing independent policies, citing the use of coercion, sanctions, and trade manipulation as tactics employed by Western powers.
Economic Cooperation and a New Financial Order
The BRICS group has also been actively pursuing economic cooperation, seeking to reduce reliance on Western financial institutions and currencies. Putin outlined the BRICS’ commitment to:
- Increasing the use of national currencies in trade and investment.
- Developing secure and reliable financial instruments.
- Establishing mutual settlement mechanisms.
These initiatives aim to create a more equitable global economic system, one that empowers developing nations and challenges the dominance of the US dollar.
Expanding BRICS Membership and Global Ambitions
The BRICS group has expanded significantly in recent years, with six new members joining last December. Despite this growth, the group has maintained its original name, demonstrating its focus on the founding members’ shared vision.
The proposed creation of a BRICS parliament reflects the group’s increasing ambition to become a major global force, capable of influencing international policies and shaping the future of the world order.
| BRICS Member | Joined BRICS |
|---|---|
| Brazil | 2009 |
| Russia | 2009 |
| India | 2009 |
| China | 2009 |
| South Africa | 2011 |
| Argentina | 2023 |
| Egypt | 2023 |
| Ethiopia | 2023 |
| Iran | 2023 |
| Saudi Arabia | 2023 |
| United Arab Emirates | 2023 |
Implications for the Global Order
The potential formation of a BRICS parliament might have significant implications for the global order, potentially:
- Shifting power dynamics: A unified parliamentary structure might solidify the BRICS’ position as a counterweight to the Western bloc.
- New international institutions: The BRICS parliament might lead to the establishment of new international institutions that challenge existing structures, such as the UN Security Council.
- Increased cooperation: A common parliamentary platform might foster greater collaboration within the BRICS group on crucial global issues, such as climate change, economic development, and security.
- Challenges to Western hegemony: The BRICS’ efforts to create a parallel system of governance might undermine Western dominance on the world stage.
The BRICS’ vision of a unified parliament remains in its early stages, but its potential implications are significant. The coming years will likely determine how this vision unfolds and its impact on the global political landscape.
Potential Benefits of a BRICS Parliament
- Enhanced coordination and collaboration: A shared platform would streamline decision-making among BRICS nations, fostering a more unified approach on global issues.
- Increased political influence: A strong parliamentary body might amplify the BRICS voice on the international stage, allowing the group to assert greater influence on matters of global importance.
- Effective policy implementation: A unified parliamentary mechanism might facilitate the implementation of common economic, social, and political policies, driving collective goals.
- Shared governance and diplomacy: A BRICS parliament might create a platform for constructive dialogue, fostering better understanding and communication among member countries.
Potential Challenges and Considerations
- Reaching consensus: Coordinating the diverse perspectives and interests of BRICS member nations within a parliament might be challenging.
- Maintaining independence: Striking a balance between collective action and preserving the autonomy of individual member states would be crucial.
- Financial and logistical resources: Establishing and maintaining a functioning parliamentary body would require significant financial and logistical resources.
- Addressing internal disputes: The BRICS parliament would need mechanisms to effectively resolve potential disputes among member nations.
The potential establishment of a BRICS parliament represents a major development in the global landscape. As the BRICS continues to grow in influence and assertiveness, the future of this initiative will undoubtedly impact the world order, potentially leading to a more multipolar and interconnected future.