In his speech, President Putin characterised the recent State Duma as an efficient, professional and competent legislative body. The nation has as a result received the laws, he said, whose absence hindered economic development for a long time, prevented the required level of stability and therefore impeded progress.
The President pointed out that he usually did not participate in inter-party discussions and events of this kind, but he came to the United Russia Congress to display his gratitude to the current United Russia Duma deputies for their joint work over the past four years.
Having noted that the controversy was still strong over which classical European party—Social Democrats or Conservatives—United Russia was closer to, Mr Putin said that above all the party needed to be closer to the Russian people. Such an approach can consolidate the government and society and inspire all citizens to embark on solving key national issues, President Putin added.