Putin talks about reforms, future and himself

Vladimir Putin was a mousy-haired, somewhat balding bureaucrat with a sinister but uninspiring KGB past, a reticence in public that made him appear slightly uncomfortable in his own skin, and an immediately forgettable face.


The fifth man in quick succession to be shoehorned into the job by an ageing, drunk president with a single-figure approval rating, there seemed every reason to dismiss Russia's newly appointed prime minister as another stop-gap measure. But the grey blur that Russians saw being interviewed for the first time on television in August 1999, most of them for the first time, would become one of the most important statesmen in their country's history. His demeanour would transition from awkward catatonia to the man who always has a wisecrack ready; from a greyish technocrat to a charismatic superman. It's a truism of modern politics that "you either have it or you don't". Vladimir Putin is the man who somehow managed to grow into it.


"The main problem we have is an absence of political stability," said Putin on arrival in office, a sentiment that would remain a leitmotif running through his decade in charge, even as the man himself changed beyond recognition. After a four-year interlude as prime minister, during which he was essentially still running the country, elections next March are almost certain to return Putin to the Kremlin.


Vladimir Putin called for a redistribution of powers between the federal center and the regions. Also, he is not ruling out the return of gubernatorial elections and elections to the upper house of the Russian parliament, the Federation Council.


"Russia’s political system should be upgraded to prevent the arrival of people who pursue criminal or separatist agendas. All the parties elected to regional legislatures by direct secret ballot could put forward their own candidates for governors. The president could consider the proposed candidacies and put them to regional vote. Naturally, the president should reserve the right to sack officials for abuse of office. The upper house of parliament could be formed in accordance with the same principle."


The bulk of questions were about the current economic and social situation. Vladimir Putin underscored that the Russian economy had demonstrated progressive development over the past 10 years and had thus been able to avoid crisis. This was largely due to the government’s tough grip on inflation.


"Russia holds the third position in gold and hard currency reserves. 10% is the minimum foreign debt for developed economies. It’s currently at 145% in Italy. GDP growth in Russia will be 4.5%, industrial production growth will be 5.1%. The government has raised pensions even though last year pensions went up by more than 40%, which is fairly rare amid the economic crisis. Inflation has hit a record low, compared to 30% in the early 2000s and 100% in the 90s. This year, inflation runs at a bit more than 6%. It’s 5% in Britain. Naturally, the government will have to exert effort to preclude a downslide."


As for social issues which has triggered a lot of controversy recently, Vladimir Putin said that social issues had to be addressed but on the basis of a balanced approach. No one thought ten years ago, Putin said, that the Russian economy would be progressing at such a quick pace. The Russian prime minister admitted that corruption remained Russia’s headache but it was a headache for any transitional economy, he added.


Vladimir Putin was also asked what he thought about statements by US Senator John McCain who compared Russia with Libya and said that Putin would end up in the same way as Muammar Gaddafi.


"McCain was taken prisoner in Vietnam and spent several years in captivity. This would send anyone off his rocker. The result is that one can’t live without the bloody scenes of doing away with Gaddafi. It can hardly be considered democracy. Drones carried out strikes against Gaddafis motorcade. Then they summoned so-called opposition leaders and militants via the radio and special task forces. And they killed Gaddafi without trial."


Vladimir Putin answered a total of 88 questions of over 1.5 million he had received. He even commented on a photo provided with obscene wording which was published by a Russian magazine. He urged citizens to come to the polling stations and cast their ballots in the presidential elections. In Putins words, he feared no other rival in the coming elections but himself.



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