Personally, I have waited for a long time for a Russian politician to come forward and concentrate more on domestic issues rather than foreign. Last year’s Presidential address to the parliament focused on the US Missile Defenses in Europe and other foreign policy issues regarding Russia. While that was being done, the economy was taking a beating and it looked like the problem was being swept under the carpet. This year’s address deserves respect and a sigh of relief that Russia has modernization and more attention to domestic issues to look forward to.

Praise

The most important element of President Medvedev’s second address to the parliament was that he is essentially the first Russian official that has urged the country, on such a large scale, to modernize and move in a new direction. As was stated in his address, most of what Russia is now is the former USSR. The military equipment, the energy sector, the infrastructure, and let’s face it – most of the government’s economic policies. What is uplifting about Medvedev’s speech is that he urges the country to shift the economy from being raw materials-based to more technology-driven.

Among other things, inefficiencies in the energy producing sector have been addressed. This is an important step in developing the energy-producing industry into a more eco-friendly solution. It has been proven over and over in the recent years that investors are looking for more socially responsible projects and companies to invest in. Moving Russia in the direction of environmental awareness and responsibility is sure to attract investment and facilitate progress.

Another important point that President Medvedev hinted at is greater collaboration with foreign companies in order to assure greater diversification of Russia’s economy. A country with quality human resources, Russia has performed poorly in the recent years in the area of R&D, and the fact that this problem has been addressed may be an indicator that the process of setting up businesses and companies that perform research and development will be eased and tax burdens will be lessened in order to facilitate the growth of such industries.

There are many other things that President Medvedev addressed. His speech was 100 minutes long. These are just some of the things that truly indicate a shift in Russia’s political agenda. It can almost be a rule of thumb that when the Russian President addresses an issue – it will be analyzed through and through so that some sort of improvements and progress is achieved.

Criticism

One of the first things that stands out when reading or listening to the second address to the nation’s parliament by President Medvedev is that he himself takes most of the credit. It is not overnight that the transition from Soviet-type leadership to a representative government has been achieved. However, in the nearly 20 years of Russia’s new history, this lesson could have been learned by now. Today, most people of developing or developed countries want to see their government as being a representation of the people. Russia has a parliament that seeks to be a representation of the people in the government. Medvedev should have positioned the speech in such a manner, so that the ideas came from everyone in the government, not just him (which in itself is most definitely doubtful).

Upon beginning to read or listen to the speech, one begins to grow hopeful of the promises to be delivered that look to vastly improve the life of the average Russian citizens. Nevertheless, the government is still heavily involved in the economy. Every statistic points to the fact that government-run organizations produce inefficiencies and are less productive than their private counterparts. The easing of government involvement in the economy should not be sporadic and should not be done virtually overnight. The process needs to be slow and controlled in order to ensure a smooth transition. When you get into a Jacuzzi or a hot tub, you generally ease yourself in, you don’t just dive in. Although both are achievable, one is more pleasant than the other.

These are general criticisms that are more expressions of hope of events to come. Although Medvedev is striving to show that he is an able President and a leader that is able to provide concrete suggestions for improvement and reform, he needs to give credit to all of those involved. Presenting a speech in a manner more focused on his personal input makes people think that he is the sole leader and the main problem solver. If Russia is to become a truly recognized representative state – the same speech should have been presented as everyone’s achievement and everyone’s responsibility.

Conclusion

Medvedev presents great suggestions. Their implementation is what will solidify his position as a President that proposed the first modernizations to Russia in the 21st Century and laid the foundation for future leaders to build upon. Moving the economy in a new direction, away from being raw-material based is, in itself, a great achievement. However, this needs to be done with greater freedom of private enterprises to operate. The achievements of Russia need to be credited to everyone in the government, so the people will have a sense that their elected officials represent their interests. This is essential for Russia to move forward politically. If Russia is able to implement the changes and improvements addressed, it will truly have a spot at the top of the political Olympus of the world.