Russian President Vladimir Putin is addressing the Federal Assembly - both houses of parliament, the cabinet and other dignitaries - outlining his stance on his policies for the coming year.
04 December 2014
President Putin closes by thanking all citizens for their hard work and continued support, assuring that all obstacles can be overcome with such dedication.
4.5 million additional school places required to avoid pupils having to “study in shifts,” the president says.
The single government school-leaving exam has enabled children from remote communities to access higher education. Five thousand scholarships of 20,000 rubles per year should be allocated to deserving students to foster academia and the pursuit of knowledge.
Special certification to be required for healthcare professionals to ensure ongoing quality control and best practice in medical care.
Sochi organizers congratulated. The Games have improved the health consciousness of the nation. Special congratulations go the Paralympic athletes for their inspiring performances and for highlighting the challenges they face.
Demography: the population has been increasing organically. Life-expectancy has increased to 71 years, but can be further increased to 74 in coming years.
“The core of economic development is having trained, skilled professionals,” Putin says, outlining measures to reform tertiary education in engineering and other disciplines.
Technological development needs particular focus. Businesses in this sector need to outline their needs to the government and identify the challenges they face. We should work together to address these issues, as the impact on the economy will be profound.
#Putin: fighting corruption like fighting terrorism. WATCH LIVE http://t.co/aa1YbDrXPvpic.twitter.com/28z2G784GY
— RT (@RT_com) December 4, 2014
Profiteering in defense contracts and spending is outrageous. It has nothing to do with inflation when prices can blow out by 11 times, and we should account for every ruble in these contracts. It directly affects national security, Putin emphasized.
Construction experiences massive price differentials for government building projects. Savings of up to 20 percent can be made by centralizing paperwork and coordinating these projects across the country.
30 billion rubles allocated to this fund for developing non-commodities industry. Russia has a lot of reserves, but we should use them wisely.
Putin: We should get out of this trap of 0 growth; In 3-4 years, Russia will be growing above average world economy http://t.co/qGjjZQV7aV
— RT (@RT_com) December 4, 2014
Putin announces a special coordination center in government to oversee large-scale contracts to ensure they are signed with Russian companies, rather than seeking products abroad.
Putin says “We need to preserve macroeconomic situation. Inflation should be brought down to 4 percent, but not by suppressing economic activity.” Forex revenues have dropped. Exchange rate may be made subject of a tax in order to weed out speculators. Regulators know who such people are and the time has come for us to make use of such instruments.
Thanks go to the farmers for their efforts this year.
Crimea has been addressed in terms of spurring industry, including fisheries. The Far East needs development, and Vladivostok will get status of a ‘free port’, as has been given to Sevastopol.
Regional Russia. The country has already come along a way in improving its business climate, but now we need to improve and refine it throughout the regions.
Regional authorities need to improve roads and a plan will be implemented to that end.
#Putin proposes full amnesty on capital returning to Russia: 'do it once, but right' LIVE http://t.co/aa1YbDrXPvpic.twitter.com/x9oPnIwv4g
— RT (@RT_com) December 4, 2014
Two-year tax break for start-ups. Full amnesty – repeated, FULL amnesty – on taxes for capital returning to Russia announced.
Entrepreneurship is something to aspire to, he says. Such people should be role models. Russian businesses should be relieved of imposed controls. Inspections should be inspected, meaning endless control and reasons for such inspections should be ordered in order to reduce inefficiency and engender an entrepreneurial environment.
The president issues a quote: “Who loves Russia, should wish freedom for it.”
Addressing the economic situation, Putin said “our development depends on ourselves, in the first place.” Controlling inefficiencies must be a priority, as these directly affect security.
Russia will never choose isolation or search for enemies. Our purpose is to have as many reliable partners as possible. Removal of barriers is the goal, rather than erecting them, President Putin said.
'Russia has to be sovereign or we will be lost in the world' #Putin state of nation address http://t.co/rBQp18ZZLqpic.twitter.com/RZTuO2Dkhw
— Ruptly (@Ruptly) December 4, 2014
Next year will be the 70th anniversary of the victory against Nazi Germany. We can never forget the lessons of this conflict. Global security is a major issue, including from Ebola, but also the United States’ extension and proliferation of its weapons systems internationally. No one will achieve a military edge over Russia.
#Putin: one should remember the lesson we taught Hitler #Russia#Urals WATCH LIVE http://t.co/aa1YbDrXPvpic.twitter.com/ZHu2hG70DU
— RT (@RT_com) December 4, 2014
Sanctions harmful to everybody, not just those they’re imposed on. West is employing a “policy of interests” against Russia, but it’s useless to try and deal with Russia from a “position of strength.”
“Russia absolutely cares about its sovereignty, and this is essential to our country,” he says. Other countries must realize this. All international partners must be respected.
#PUTIN: Sovereignty is essential to our country, our parters should recognise that WATCH LIVE http://t.co/aa1YbDrXPvpic.twitter.com/ehN24hNwkc
— RT (@RT_com) December 4, 2014
The agreement between the EU and Ukraine ratified, except the economic section has been stalled. So why did the West get involved? Russia, meanwhile, has invested about $25 billion in loans, while companies are also investing heavily, to the total of about $32 billion.
Ukraine – the coup is condemned, and the events in southeastern Ukraine bear out that Russia’s decision and course of action was correct. “How can you support a violent coup? Not to mention the bloody events in Odessa? How can you be so hypocritical about ‘human rights’?” he asked.
Christianity a powerful source of unity historically. This is the foundation of the Russian nation state, while Crimea is as significant for Russia as the Temple Mount is to Jerusalem.
Thanks to the citizens of Russia for understanding "the meaning of 'national interest'".
Touches on the events of March, highlighting that the Crimean Parliament's declaration of independence was absolutely legitimate, leading to the historic reunification of Crimea and Sevastopol with Russia.
Putin arrives for the State of the Nation
Federal Assembly gathered, awaiting the president's arrival.