| There are no signs that Vladimir Putin, if elected for
a second term, will start forming and strengthening the underlying framework
of democratic society in Russia. Such an opinion was expressed to Politburo
by the leader of the YABLOKO party Grigory
Yavlinsky.
Question: What should President Putin do if elected for a second
term?
Grigory Yavlinsky: The President should create over the
next four years an independent court, independent mass media and, first
and foremost, public television, stop the interference of his administration
in elections and adopt decisive measures to reduce admnistrative pressure
at elections at all levels. He should also create the requisite conditions
for the election of an independent parliament, facilitate the establishment
of public and parliamentary control over the secret services and law enforcement
agencies. Lastly he should begin separating business from the authorities.
Certainly it is impossible to do all this in four years, but he should
start doing
it.
Question: Will President Putin be able to implement such a
programme?
Grigory Yavlinsky: He has not been doing this so far
and there have been no signs that he will do it.
Question: Should the second term be the last for Vladimir
Putin?
Grigory Yavlinsky: Definitely.
See also:
Presidential elections
2004
| 