The president of Tatarstan is highly respected and enjoys a loyal following in his republic. Until December's election he had always given his support to parties representing the Russian government, which has invariably ensured their victory in Tatarstan. This time, predictably, Tatarstan and neighbouring Bashkortostan gave preference to Fatherland-All Russia. Russia all enjoyed some successes. The Volga region's economy is in relatively good shape.
Some local republics have their own oil resources, and private enterprise is booming.