At the beginning of the meeting the head of state declared that he expects United Russia to participate actively in ensuring that priorities such as improving budgetary planning and pension system reform, as outlined in the President of Russia’s [Annual] Address to the Federal Assembly, receive adequate legislative support.
Vladimir Putin called on United Russia to monitor the reform of public utilities.
Part of Mr Putin’s speech at the meeting with the United Russia party was devoted to the forthcoming State Duma elections that will introduce a proportional representation system for the first time. Vladimir Putin thinks that these elections must act as an important step towards strengthening democratic institutions.
The President suggested that during the election campaign United Russia work more actively with groups such as non-party professionals and youth.
During the ensuing exchange, the meeting’s participants and the President discussed the efficiency of public expenditures, the modernisation of energy structures, especially with a view to stimulating investment in alternative forms of energy, long-term development projects in southern Russia and other topics.