Development of the Communist Party of Russian Federation’s opposition identity in the post-Soviet period in 1990s

Importance. The research of the process of the Communist Party of Russian Federation’s opposition identity development in the 1990s is important for understanding the transformation of leftwing movements in the post-Soviet space and the mechanisms of the formation of a multiparty system in Russia. The study aims to define the specifics of the Communist Party of Russian Federation opposition identity development in the post-Soviet space in the 1990s.
Materials and Methods. T research is based on the analysis of official documents of the Communist Party of Russian Federation of the Russian Federation, statistical data of the Central Executive Committee of the Russian Federation, transcripts of meetings of the State Duma, publications in the party press, and scientific literature. Historical-genetic, comparative-historical, and systemic methods of analysis are applied.
Results and Discussion. The key stages of the Communist Party of Russian Federation opposition identity are revealed: the restoration of the party (1992–1993), institutionalization as a parliamentary force (1993–1995), the struggle for federal power (1996–1999). The evolution of the ideological attitudes and electoral strategies of the party is traced. The dynamics of electoral support for the CPRF of the Russian Federation is analyzed: an increase from 12.4 % of the vote in 1993 to 24.29 % in 1999. It is established that the party has formed a stable faction in the State Duma and created a broad coalition of left-patriotic forces (NPSR). The main strategies of the CPRF opposition activities are revealed: parliamentary work, participation in elections at all levels, organization of mass protests, attempts to initiate the impeachment of the president.
Conclusion. By the end of the 1990s, the Communist Party of Russian Federation had formed a stable opposition identity, characterized by a combination of criticism of the government with a willingness to cooperate with limited parliamentary activity. This allowed the party to become a key element of the new Russian political system, demonstrating the possibility of successfully adapting the communist movement to the conditions of post-socialist transformation while maintaining its opposition status

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