Russian President Vladimir Putin has given his first address to the country’s newly elected parliament, the Duma, setting out the government’s priorities on economic self-reliance, social spending, defence and long-term national security.
Speaking at the opening of the lower house’s ninth convocation on Wednesday, Putin urged lawmakers to avoid economic missteps and “destructive populism”, saying Russia has the resources it needs to achieve its goals without outside help, RT reported. Russia will not “go around the world with an outstretched hand begging for handouts”, he said.
Discussing the economic situation and the new federal budget, he said: “First, it is humiliating. Second, no one will give us anything; we know that very well. And third, and most importantly, we do not need it.” Putin described Russia’s financial system and economy as confident and stable.
But he warned that no mistakes whatsoever are acceptable, calling for a balanced and realistic budget, full funding for national projects and federal programmes, and fulfilment of all the government’s social commitments. He also urged steps to boost investment and called on lawmakers to cut administrative barriers for businesses.
Defence and support for Russian troops and their families should be among parliament’s top priorities, Putin said. Lawmakers must focus on matters of “state importance”, strengthen the country’s defence capabilities and “do everything for our victory”, he said. He also welcomed Russian soldiers and veterans of the Ukraine conflict elected to the new parliament, saying they had already proved their commitment to the country “on the battlefield”.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report