President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon.
Mr Mironov, we meet on a regular basis.
Sergei Mironov: Thank you for this opportunity.
Vladimir Putin: I would like to hear your perspective on the current state of affairs. What do you identify as the most pressing and significant matters, and what initiatives is your faction undertaking within the Duma?
Sergei Mironov: Thank you very much.
Mr President, as you mentioned, our meetings are regular.
Regarding your task on the sovereignty of our economic and, primarily, industrial policy, we acknowledge the substantial progress made. However, there is always room for improvement. Together with Alexander Babakov, we have formulated a new economic strategy.
Moreover, I would like to highlight that we are also engaged in working on the meanings, branding ourselves as the party of patriotic socialism. The term ”patriotic“ has been added, as you might deduce, in light of the special military operation.
We are actively involved and contribute significantly. We have taken Regiment 1429 under our wing. In January of this year, through your executive order, this regiment was designated as a Guards regiment. We both understand that such an honour is not bestowed lightly. Towards the conclusion, I will elaborate further on this regiment and have additional matters to report to you.
Vladimir Putin: Very well.
Sergei Mironov: Naturally, we devote particular attention to the families of those engaged in the special military operation, focusing on their welfare. We have undertaken a patronage role, and I personally oversee the welfare of four families. Regrettably, one family lost a member in 2022. As you rightly noted, it would be highly beneficial if every family had a dedicated patron.
Vladimir Putin: Indeed.
Sergei Mironov: While this is the expectation, it often fails to materialise. Consequently, deputies at various levels become involved. It is customary for our State Duma deputies, Federation Council members, legislative assembly deputies, and municipal deputies to support at least one family within their respective localities. This initiative, termed Just Assistance to Participants of the Special Military Operation, is actively progressing.
I must express gratitude for your support, as this year marks the 10th anniversary of the centres for the protection of citizens' rights. I have prepared brochures for you, illustrating the significance of this initiative.
I am not going to inundate you with statistics; however, I will highlight one pivotal figure: 80 percent of individuals seeking assistance at these centres do not subsequently pursue legal action. These individuals initially intended to litigate against employers, management companies, or others, yet we are resolving these disputes successfully.
The existence of 115 centres for the protection of citizens' rights across 83 Russian regions is a testament to your leadership. Reflecting on our initial discussions, when I identified housing and utilities as primary concerns, you described this initiative as a form of public oversight within that domain. Today, people approach us with a wide array of issues beyond housing and utilities. We provide pro bono legal assistance and, when necessary, support in legal proceedings, though the majority of cases are resolved through alternative means, as I have already said.
Thank you for your unwavering support, and I would be happy to share more about the 10th anniversary of the centres for the protection of citizens' rights.
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