All news

Medvedev says political system in Russia needs upgrading

He noted that all of the submitted draft laws “are aimed at developing institutions of democracy in Russia”

GORKI, February 15 (Itar-Tass) —— President Dmitry Medvedev said there must be “more air” inside the political system in Russia and it needs upgrading.

“Our political system needs more attention -- I have been working on this for four years -- and, if you like, it needs more air inside itself” in order to “become more up-to-date so that the people who live in our country felt that this political system better takes into account their wishes, that it respects them and allows them to exercise their political rights,” Medvedev said at a meeting with the leaders of registered political parties on Wednesday, February 15.

“This is why a draft law was submitted to simplify registration of political parties, reduce the number of signatures required for participation in different events... a draft law that sets a new procedure for vesting chief executives, that is governors, in regions with power, or the so-called draft law on direct elections,” Medvedev said.

He noted that all of the submitted draft laws “are aimed at developing institutions of democracy in Russia”.

“I think we have young and growing democracy in our country, but still it is democracy with all of its attributes which needs to be improved,” he said. “This is why I decided to submit this package of draft laws on political system reform,” he added.

Medvedev suggested creating a working group to study amendments to the political reform bills proposed by registered political patties.

Presidential spokeswoman Natalya Timakova said, “All participants in the discussion on the whole supported the package of political reform draft laws submitted by the president”.

“At the same time, the party leaders offered their own amendments to the presidential legislative initiatives,” she added.

“The president suggested creating a working group for studying these amendments. It will include representatives of both registered parties and political forces that seek registration,” the spokeswoman said.

First deputy presidential administration chief of staff Vyacheslav Volodin will head the group.