Russian President Vladimir Putin gave his annual state-of-the-nation address today at the Kremlin’s Marble Hall.
During a 45-minute speech, Putin touched on investment climate as well as the state of democracy.
“Democratic procedures should not develop at the expense of law and order, or stability which has been so hard to achieve, or the steady pursuit of the economic course we have taken,” Putin said. “In this, I see the independent character of the democratic path we have chosen. Therefore, we will move forward taking into account our own internal circumstances but of course, based on the law and constitutional guarantees.”
According to a VOA article,
President Putin says freedom, rule of law and a basic respect for human rights must be the hallmark of Russian institutions and society, as the nation works toward his promise of a better future.
In remarks broadcast live on state television, President Putin said Russia’s place in the world will be defined by strength and success in both democratic and economic gains.
A good part of Putin’s speech delt with corruption in business and the economy.
An Associated Press article says:
Much of Putin’s speech centered on assuaging the fears of investors who have been spooked by a series of contradictory and sometimes punitive legal and regulatory measures.
He said tax inspectors do not have the right to “terrorize business,” and repeated a call for the time for challenging the results of past privatization deals to be cut to three years from the current 10. Foreign companies need clear “rules of the game” on which sectors of the economy are open to investment, Putin said. Russians should be encouraged to bring their undeclared earnings home rather than squirrel them away abroad, he said.
Chris is a staff writer for Murdok. Visit Murdok for the latest ebusiness news.
