Answers to media questions

Pavel Zarubin: It so happened that we meet right after the United Russia party Congress and, of course, I have many questions, but, if I may, I would like to clarify something straightaway: It turns out this is the second time in just over a month that you attend the United Russia Congress. A logical question is: Why and what for?

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: First, soon we will hold the elections. This is the first point. And second - after all, I was the person who founded this party back in the day so it would only be natural if I support it.

Incidentally, I want to thank all the parliamentary parties, all the parties represented in the parliament, for their statesmanlike, patriotic stance, and for the support they provide to the people of Russia, the Fatherland and myself as the head of state, in addressing the crucial problems facing the country, our state.

As for today's subject, we spoke about the programme, and I paid much attention to the programme of the United Russia party. This is a very important and serious document, this is the party's guidelines for the coming years regarding the country's development and solving the tasks of the country's development.

Well, you know, I want to be honest, it looks like ordinary people have hardly read the programme to the end, and even people professionally engaged in politics, probably, didn't get through every single word in it. Although, I say it again, it is a very important, conceptual and fundamental document.

But there is something else that is important to me. It is important that the United Russia has never engaged in populism. This is always important, but nowadays it is particularly important. Clearly, during the election campaign any political force wishing to win the voters' attention and preferences declares some goals which look very attractive to citizens and says that the goals would be undoubtedly attained. Yet frequently or, to put it mildly, sometimes it is done without any professional analysis, without understanding the sources of financing for attaining such goals, without professional assessment, a profound professional assessment of possible related repercussions, and so forth.

Of course, I reiterate, all political forces are tempted to do this. Meanwhile, the United Russia still tries to avoid such temptations and tries to act, and it acts very carefully, professionally and responsibly. This is the main thing, I believe.

To be continued.