By Alfred Kueppers
President Dmitry Medvedev pledged Saturday that a proposed
job swap designed to return Vladimir Putin to the Kremlin next year for a third
presidential term will not usher in an era of stagnation in Russia.
"They are trying to
frighten us with stagnation," Medvedev told a studio audience made up
largely of supporters from the United Russia party.
"I want to say a few
words about that: it will not happen."
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin
announced last month at a United Russia party congress that he would run for
president in the March 2012 election, with his protege and 'tandem' political
partner Medvedev replacing him as the head of a young reformist government.
Critics say his return to the
Kremlin could herald an era of stagnation in the world's largest country.
While Putin continues to top
polls as Russia's most trusted politician, support for his United Russia party
is slipping ahead of the December 4 parliamentary election, when it hopes to
place Medvedev in the prime minister's seat.
Dressed in a navy blue suit
and an open collar shirt, the 46-year-old president addressed one of the few
critical audience members who highlighted the malaise created by corruption,
dependence on raw material exports and a lack of democratic institutions.
The president said he had
worked to lessen these problems during his time in office.
"For this reason I see
only one instrument, that will allow us to continue to work on this,"
Medvedev told the audience of about 200, in a talk show style event broadcast on
state-run television.
"I say with complete
candor: do not give up power."
The president also reiterated
calls to overhaul the government and carry out further reforms.
"If we succeed in
carrying out our political program... the Russian government will consist of
entirely new people, and I think that this is absolutely essential for our
country."
Prominent rights activists
have said that the parliamentary vote would fall short of democratic standards
and accused the state of dismantling the institution of democratic elections
since Putin came to power.
(Reporting By Alfred
Kueppers; Editing by Ruth Pitchford)
Source : Reuters
No comments:
Post a Comment