Medvedev vowed to pursue his modernisation agenda and implement political reforms enacted after massive street protests, after he shifts into the prime minister's job.
Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev vowed on Tuesday to pursue his modernisation agenda and implement political reforms enacted after massive street protests, after he shifts into the prime minister's job.
Medvedev had agreed to step down after one term to allow his longtime mentor Vladimir Putin to reclaim the presidency in March's election. The swap was widely seen as a cynical maneuvering and a show of contempt for democracy, fueling a wave of unprecedented rallies in the run-up to the vote.
Medvedev raised hopes for liberal reforms after winning the presidency in 2008, but achieved little, largely staying in Putin's shadow, who continued calling the shots as prime minister.
In today's speech before the State Council, Medvedev repeated pledges to combat corruption, pursue political reforms and modernise economy.
He reaffirmed his mantra that freedom is better than non-freedom and promised to follow through on a political reform designed by the Kremlin in response to demonstrations that drew tens of thousands to demand an end to Putin's rule.
The reform envisages restoring direct elections of provincial governors, easing registration requirements for political parties and liberalising election rules.
Medvedev said that the reform reflects a higher level of political culture and demonstrates that democratic prospects have been secured.
Critics point out, however, that the next parliamentary elections are five years away and say that the bill on gubernatorial elections would allow the Kremlin to block hopefuls it dislikes.
Medvedev said that a fight against corruption would remain a top priority for his Cabinet, pledging to seek a greater public feedback and enhance the civil society's role in combating the graft.
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