Putin Q&A: domestic issues
Q: The Presidential election is coming up. Why did you decide to support Medvedev’s candidacy?
A: I am convinced that he will be a good President, a worthy President and an effective leader. Besides, there is also such thing as personal chemistry – I trust him. The speech he has prepared and will be delivered in
Q: The refusal of ODIHR and PA OSCE observers to come to the presidential election in
A: I don’t think that anyone today is tempted to give any kinds of ultimatums to
Q: How are you going to use your political influence after the election, are you prepared to play second fiddle to President Medvedev, considering the fact that you said you would not change the balance between President and Prime Minister.
A: There are enough responsibilities. Dmitry Medvedev and I will figure it out, if the voters let us, how to practically organise our personal relationship. I am telling you there won’t be any problems.
Q: Vladimir Vladimirovich, it is obvious that in the time of your presidency
A: There are two main things in the importance of the personal factor in achieving results. It’s the ability to define ambitious goals and not to whine or snivel on every occasion. High state officials do not have the right to do this.
Q: Who will pay for the Olympics? The government and the tax payers, investors or will some other funds be used? Is this an investment project that will pay off at some point or is this going to be another hole for the federal budget?
A: We want our tourist areas to reach not just reach international levels, but be above international standards. We have the resources. There is a state program focusing on developing the south of
Our fight for
Q: Over your eight years in power which problem was the biggest pain in the neck? Which one seemed impossible to solve?
A: Corruption. Corruption always accompanies all developing markets and all developing countries. Unfortunately everybody has that problem. It was especially difficult in the beginning of the 90s, in the mid 90s, when all the structures were destroyed. State structures merged with the administration and government. Time is needed, there is no pill that a country can take and be healed, there needs to be a system of measures.
Q: How long should state corporations live and in what spheres of economy will they emerge?
A: State corporations emerge when and where large, long-terms investments are needed, which private business can not handle. First of all, we are talking about such fundamental areas of the economy like ship building, plane construction, and defence.
Although in all these areas we plan to develop market aspects, including the nuclear industry. On the whole we will try to do it so that after serious state investment, after raising the technological level and the raising capitalization of these companies, we can make these companies IPO's and make them part of the market economy.