President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Colleagues, good afternoon,
We are holding this meeting in late December to sum up our annual performance and discuss the results we have achieved in terms of promoting economic and social development, as well the overall development of our country. Of course, we will discuss matters which require more attention and additional efforts from the federal Government, as well as our colleagues in the regions, both in the near future and within a larger planning horizon.
Let me note that the Government has been quite effective and professional in its actions and has been carrying out a wide-reaching agenda with a focus on making a positive and tangible impact on the way our people and the country in general live. Russia is moving forward and developing, despite all the challenges it faces. Our key macroeconomic indicators have been stable, and the national economy is gradually evolving by giving an increasingly prominent role to sectors offering high added value. Inflation has slowed down, while unemployment remains at an all-time low.
It is a matter of principle that the Government has succeeded in ensuring a balanced budget and guaranteeing stability within the national financial system. We have fulfilled all our social commitments, including decisions dealing with supporting families with children. The state financial system in its current state enables us to meet all spending needs in terms of defence and security, while also generating even more momentum along key development tracks as part of the new national projects. Their launch in 2025 can be viewed as one of the main and most important events of the year.
In this regard, I would like to reiterate that we are doing a lot of hard work as part of these national efforts together with the regional teams, businesses and NGOs. Achieving long-term development goals is our common objective.
This primarily involves overcoming demographic challenges and improving the birth rate in a sustained manner. We must reach a whole new level of excellence for the national economy and the technology sector, while improving healthcare and education, addressing systemic infrastructure challenges, making our cities and villages more people-friendly and improving the quality of life for the people of Russia.
Let me reiterate: we have an ambitious agenda. But this is what the times demand, and this is what our people expect of us. It is only by working together and by demonstrating full dedication and the utmost sense of responsibility and engagement in everything we do that we will succeed.
I would like to encourage you to work in this constructive manner next year and in the future, with a focus on achieving results.
I would like to add a point. As we all know, the Direct Line news conference was held last week. Among other topics, we addressed issues raised by our citizens. One of these was a question concerning large families. The problem is that families lose their eligibility for the ‘single allowance’ programme if their combined income exceeds the established threshold by even a small amount.
I discussed this matter with Mr Mishustin quite recently, just a couple of days ago. We need to find a flexible, effective solution to support large families. Is funding allocated for this? Yes, it is. However, there is no benefit to the budget if this allocated money never reaches the families. A person goes back to work. So what? We must ensure that not only the individual, but the family as a whole, does not lose out, but that they actually receive a supplement to the household budget. Otherwise, what is the point of returning to work? Where is the incentive? Or people might operate ‘under the table,’ which is harmful to the budget, as taxes, even at a reduced rate, will not be paid at all. Correct?
Therefore, I urge my colleagues in the Government and the State Duma, as well as in the regions, to swiftly finalise this matter and make well-considered decisions in favour of Russian families.
Another question raised during the Direct Line concerned penalties for developers who fail to deliver flats to buyers on time.
As you may recall, we introduced a moratorium on such penalties during the pandemic. This was done to support the construction industry, and the moratorium has since been extended several times.
The current situation in the housing market no longer warrants such support for developers. At the same time, penalties play a significant role for homebuyers, strengthening the guarantees that their rights will be protected if completion is delayed.
The current moratorium on fines for late housing delivery expires on December 31, and we agreed not to extend it further. However, I would like to draw my colleagues’ attention to the need for systematic engagement with developers to ensure they fulfil their obligations to homebuyers on schedule.
This is what I wanted to say at the outset of our meeting. Now, I would like to wish all members of the Government, as well as our colleagues in the Government Office, in the regions and across all ministries and agencies, all the best for the upcoming New Year. Thank you very much for your contributions.
I am pleased to see the Government here in full session today, with representatives from various agencies present, including law enforcement and the Governor of the Central Bank, Ms Nabiullina. I would encourage you to attend Government meetings more frequently.
Mr Mishustin, please.
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin: Thank you.
Mr President,
First of all, I would like to express my gratitude for your assessment of the Government’s work. In the year 2025, which is now concluding, as in previous years, Russia has faced numerous challenges and complex tasks: ongoing sanctions imposed on our country, persistent attempts to destabilise our economy and undermine its stability.
Under your leadership, we have operated as a united and cohesive team, akin to a well-oiled mechanism, to address these tasks. Thanks to your guidance, I am confident that everything is achievable in the future as well. Each of us understands the primary objective of this work – to ensure the resilience of key sectors: industrial, financial, and social, while creating additional opportunities for our country’s development, thereby ensuring the well-being of our citizens.
All of this is outlined in the national projects, initiatives to achieve technological sovereignty that you have approved, and other strategic documents that we are consistently implementing.
We will continue, with utmost responsibility, to do everything within our power, upholding the high trust you have placed in us. And, of course, allow me, on behalf of all members of the Government, to congratulate you on the upcoming New Year and Christmas, to wish you every success, and to thank you for our joint work.
Thank you, Mr President.
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