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24-04-2007  Putin’s message to focus on business | |
 On 25 April Russian President Vladimir Putin will deliver his eighth – and most likely last – state-of-the-nation address to parliament. This will be his ‘political testament’. The incumbent head-of-state will try to show that he is still in full control. He will report on the performance of national projects and set priorities for the future, including Russia’s economic diversification. Putin is expected to pay particular attention to the problems of big business, for the first time since the YUKOS affair. On Wednesday the members of both parliament chambers will meet at the Kremlin to hear Putin’s state-of-the-nation address. Vladimir Putin, whose second presidential term expires next year, will set priorities for the country’s legislative and executive authorities. Putin will outline ways to achieve his key goal of turning Russia into a super power. “Economic diversification is needed to position Russia as an energy super power, and Putin will talk about that,” says Konstantin Simonov, General Director of the National Energy Security Fund. The issue was discussed at Putin’s meeting with the members of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs in February, with businessmen persuading the President of the need to invest in the manufacturing sector, including in oil refining. Linked to this is the problem of cutting VAT, which is hotly debated in the business community. Another issue of concern is the ruble’s strengthening, and Putin is likely to address it again, though he has already expressed his concern about the rapid appreciation of the national currency. A source close to Putin’s administration said the President would pay special attention to problems faced by big business in Russia. They were last raised in Putin’s message in connection with the tax problems of the now bankrupt oil company YUKOS. Putin will also report on the implementation of national projects, especially those on healthcare and affordable housing, the source said. Officials who failed to meet the targets set in his previous message to parliament will get their share of criticism. “The President will speak about corruption and the failure of administrative reforms,” said Valery Khomyakov, General Director of the National Strategy Council, noting that these topics would form the agenda of parliamentary and presidential election campaigns in 2007and 2008. United Russia has already prepared a proposal to make presidential messages binding for parliament. So far only half of them gets implemented. Putin will also comment on Russia’s foreign policy, focusing on its role in the post-Soviet arena and ties with the United States, where presidential elections are due in 2008, too. “Criticizing the Bush administration, Putin will support the Democrats,” Khomyakov said. The message could be seen as Putin’s parting words to his successor, summarizing the results of his two terms in office. However, according to RBC Daily’s sources, this option was considered and rejected as inappropriate. Putin has made it clear that he would not remain for a third term, but that he would remain in politics. “The address will certainly indicate that it is too early to say goodbye to Putin, and that he will remain in control,” reckons Dmitry Oreshkin, an independent politician. “Putin will try to convince evetyone that he is not a lame duck. This message will be aimed towards the future,” he said. "Alliance Media" News Agency, based on the story by RBC 
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