Council for a Community of Democracies

Russian President Medvedev Calls for Reforms
November 12, 2009
By: Randi Zung

On November 12, during an annual state of the nation address at the Kremlin, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev emphasized the need for democratic and economic reforms. In his address to Russia’s political elites, Medvedev referred to the country’s economy as “primitive,” noting that the poor economy was contributing to an upswing in crime and lawlessness. Medvedev has remained firm in advocating for reforms, maintaining that the survival of the country is dependent on modernization, despite opposition criticisms from Russian elites. AFP reports that the goal of his administration is to modernize every aspect of Russian society.

As reported by BBC News, Medvedev stated that the economy needs to transform into a technologically advanced “smart economy,” one that was no longer dependent on the production of raw material goods. Medvedev also warned that the government would not continue to protect failing businesses, remarking that they would either have to “go through bankruptcy proceedings or leave the market.”

In addition, Reuters reports that Medvedev made no specific recommendations about how to go about revitalizing the country’s economy. According to critics, Medvedev has consistently identified problematic infrastructural issues, but has failed to follow through with tangible solutions. In terms of economic reforms, Medvedev has pledged to break up large conglomerate state-owned businesses that were starting to resemble monopolies. Concerning democratic reforms, Medvedev has promised to eliminate party registration requirements that had previously prevented some parties from being included on election ballots.

According to The New York Times, Medvedev stated that the implementation of democratic reforms did not signal a weakening of the government, warning that an increase in lawlessness would not be tolerated. Medvedev’s speech also addressed corrupt practices committed by law enforcement officials. Additionally, The New York Times reports that political analysts identify Medvedev’s agenda as undoing the work that Vladimir Putin’s eight year presidency established. Putin, known for his conservative political ideas, helped state-owned businesses thrive during his time as president. In contrast, since assuming office in 2008, Medvedev has stated that he has no interest in continuing to support deteriorating economic policies.

Sources:
The New York Times - Russian President Says Modernization Is Needed
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/13/world/europe/13medvedev.html

Reuters - Medvedev says Russia's state corporations must disband
http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSLC50387420091112

AFP - Medevedev calls for Russia reforms
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hf9gnMJQ8yyAQY7G0cWazRL7ZBUg

BBC News - Medvedev calls for economy reform
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8356122.stm

Reuters - Medvedev warns Russia opposition not to rock boat
http://www.reuters.com/article/topNews/idUSTRE5AB1HM20091112