They discussed issues of social policy. The President suggested converting the priority national projects into state programmes, and using the experience gained from the implementation of these projects in carrying out social development policies.
Vladimir Putin noted that social development policies include not only the payment of benefits and the financing of various social institutions, but also creating a social environment for the individual, working towards improving his or her health, education, housing and other such aspects of their life. The President emphasized that the basis of social policy is providing an adequate level of income for citizens.
In relation to this, the head of state set out major objectives: to upgrade the system of social benefits to ensure full accessibility and better quality of social services; to work more actively on integrating private business into the social sphere. Indeed, the social sphere should become a field for a committed partnership between the state, private business, and the structures of civil society.
During the meeting Vladimir Putin called on all parliamentary parties to take part in constructive interaction, including when addressing social issues, and avoid indulging in populism during the presidential election campaign.