In his first Address to the Federal Assembly, Mr Medvedev set out his vision of the fundamental laws of Russian life and society’s goals and values that are cemented in the Russian Constitution and directly influence all aspects of domestic and foreign policy.
Mr Medvedev stressed the enduring moral values and references that unite the citizens of Russia as one people.
The President gave his assessment of the situation in the country and Russia’s place in the world, and outlined priorities in the economy, domestic policy, the social sphere, security and defence.
Mr Medvedev proposed steps to increase the level and quality of public representation in government and measures to encourage the public to become more actively involved in political life.
The President proposed making clarifications to the Constitution that would increase the President’s term in office to six years and increase the State Duma’s mandate to five years. Mr Medvedev also proposed giving the parliament greater constitutional powers and empowering the State Duma to exercise control functions with regard to the executive branch.
Noting that Russia’s future lies in innovative development, the President devoted part of the Address to a new system for building up a pool of managers at all levels of government.
Mr Medvedev particularly highlighted the need to develop an effective education system. A national education strategy, Our New School, aimed at developing school education, will be drawn up and implemented throughout the country.