This is a live broadcast.
Igor Artemyev who may become the single
candidate from the democratic forces at gubernatorial
elections in St Petersburg is with us now.
Igor Grigoryevich, how are you going
to reach agreement, when time is so tight, so that the
SPS and Yabloko propose you as a single candidate?
Igor Artemyev: We consider the SPS our
closest allies at the gubernatorial elections of St Petersburg.
Last month we actually co-ordinated a single platform,
based on the priority development of our city. I think
this is absolutely real.
And what about Yuli Rybakov who has
already been registered as a candidate?
Igor Artemyev: I deeply respect Yuli
Rybakov, I have known him for many years. Our negotiations
will demonstrate our positions. Actually I think that
we shall achieve a compromise between our parties and
between the candidates.
When do you meet the SPS leaders?
Igor Artemyev: I think that these discussions
will continue tomorrow. I understand that electoral campaign
tactics lead you to speak with conviction about your victory.
However, can you tell us whether this
is real? Matvienko was a strong candidate and a strong
opponent for Yakovlev: she had a rating of 15% against
his 40%. Your rating now is probably much lower and there
is little time left. Do you take this into account in
your campaign?
Igor Artemyev: First of all, I am very
grateful to Valentina Matvienko for her support.
Has she already said that she will
support you?
Igor Artemyev: Yes, and I am very grateful
to her for this. Secondly, the citizens of St Petersburg
are well-educated, intelligent people. I think that the
closer we get to the elections, – and there are only 40
days left - the clearer it will become to see who we can
count on. If there is a single candidate from all the
democratic forces, we will definitely have a chance to
win against the corrupt administration of Yakovlev.
Igor Grigoryevich, have you already
collected the signatures?
Igor Artemyev: You know, Yabloko is a
strong party, especially in St Petersburg. We have done
this several times and will do it this time too.
But you have not submitted signatures
to the Electoral Commission yet, have you?
Igor Artemyev: No, we will probably submit
them on April 12-13.
You mean that you will be in time?
Igor Artemyev: Certainly.
