Government System in Moscow

Moscow is a separate subject of the Russian Federation (official name of Russia), and its administration reports directly to the federal government.

The city is governed by a mayor, who is popularly elected for a four-year term, and by a 35-member Duma (assembly) that functions as a city legislature.

The Duma is elected from 10 prefectures (administrative districts) that were established in 1993. These are divided into 125 smaller neighborhood units, which elect local councils.

The mayor retains line-item veto power over Duma actions and can legislate by executive order.

As Russia’s capital, Moscow is the seat of the national government.

The Kremlin palaces house most national offices.

The prime minister’s offices are in the House of Government of the Russian Federation, also known as the White House, located northwest of the Kremlin.