Speaking at a conference hosted by Sciences Po in Paris, France, Mikhail Khodorkovsky put forward his vision for a democratic Russia, emphasising the importance of embracing civil society, an independent judicial system, and separation of powers.

According to a summary of the event posted on the Sciences Po website, Khodorkovsky argued that Russia would have no other choice but to turn towards Europe in order to develop. He insisted on the urgency of replacing “the archaic governance system” which traps Russians in arbitrariness and ineffectiveness, and pushes the country’s finest into exile. He also lashed out against the Kremlin’s policies which create conflict with neighbors and rely on false propaganda to convince the population that only the current regime can protect the country against external “threats.”

Khodorkovsky emphasized the importance of balancing the political system, by ensuring that parliament, judiciary, local and regional governmental institutions against the powers of the presidency.

Read more about the event at Sciences Po.