MOSCOW, September 23. /TASS/. Russian authorities must do everything to live up to the trust shown by the public in the recent elections, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with cabinet members.
The head of state also urged officials to explain to the public in greater detail what the digital ruble is and what advantages it offers.
For her part, Central Bank Governor Elvira Nabiullina reported that the mass launch of the digital ruble went according to plan.
In addition, Putin requested a report on the relocation of major state-owned companies' headquarters to the regions.
TASS has compiled the key statements made during the meeting.
The recent elections
Putin noted that Russians turned out to vote despite all obstacles created by the adversary: "I want to thank the citizens of Russia for their participation in this election campaign. It is well known that attempts were made to hinder us and disrupt these elections, as evidenced by constant attempts to breach the air defenses of Moscow and other regions."
According to the head of state, the high voter turnout in the parliamentary elections, despite all interference from the adversary, shows that Russians support the authorities' efforts to strengthen the country: "Such strong public involvement – with a record number of people coming to polling stations to vote – shows that the people of Russia support our efforts aimed at strengthening the country."
Putin emphasized that it is impossible to intimidate Russia, a fact demonstrated by the course of the parliamentary elections, which took place despite all attempts by the adversary to disrupt them: "The queues at polling stations show that it is impossible to intimidate Russia!"
The President noted that the recent elections showed that Russians trust those serving at the front and believe in their devotion to the Motherland and the country's victory: "We certainly understand the times we are living in. And now, I would like to address our soldiers and commanders on the front line. I want you to know, comrades: this vote was for you. People believe in you and in our victory. They believe in your courage, your heroism, and your devotion to the Motherland."
Digital ruble
Putin stated that the digital ruble, the use of which began on September 1, has become a full-fledged financial instrument: "As of September 1, the digital ruble has become a full-fledged payment instrument within the Russian financial system."
The President pointed out the need to explain the difference between the digital ruble and ordinary cashless payments in greater detail to the public: "Because for the average citizen, this is not very clear."
In turn, Bank of Russia Governor Elvira Nabiullina noted that "the launch of the digital ruble went according to plan": "This is an event we prepared for meticulously. Citizens and businesses now have a new, additional tool for payments and settlements. In essence, our country now possesses all components of a national payment infrastructure."
She emphasized that the digital ruble is an entirely Russian-developed product "featuring the highest class of protection and security."
Nabiullina reported that the Central Bank, together with developers of secure SIM cards, is preparing a solution that will allow payments in digital rubles without an internet connection: "However, this is currently under development."
The head of the Bank of Russia stated that citizens had opened nearly 200,000 digital ruble accounts in just three weeks: "That is a significant number for the first three weeks."
She added that 36 Russian banks are currently connected to the digital ruble platform: "So, the digital ruble is gradually becoming part of our lives."
According to Nabiullina, the digital ruble will enable tighter control over the expenditure of budget funds and accelerate the transfer of funds to contractors: "All accounts are opened directly on the Central Bank's platform, creating new opportunities for automating settlements – including ensuring that budget funds are spent for their intended purpose."
The head of the Bank of Russia noted that the regulator intends to "expand the functionality of the digital ruble platform," with solutions for cross-border settlements possible in the future.
In turn, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov stated that opportunities to make payments using digital rubles would increase "as the infrastructure develops."
He noted that the first payments in digital rubles – specifically for taxes and fines – had already been credited to the budget.
According to Siluanov, the Finance Ministry will expand the scope of the digital ruble's use in the budgetary process year by year: "From the perspective of the budgetary process, we will increase and expand the scope of its use with each passing year."
Relocation of state-owned companies to regions
Putin asked for a report on the progress of relocating the headquarters of major state-owned companies to the regions: "I know this process is underway. What is its current status?"
Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov reported that eight major Russian holdings have plans to relocate part of their workforce to the regions: "Their structures comprise 250 companies based in Moscow and 270,000 employees. These include Russian Railways, Aeroflot, Russian Post, Transneft, Rosseti, Rosneft, Inter RAO, and Zarubezhneft. Each company has a plan for how it will proceed."
Expectations from government
Putin stressed that Russian authorities must do "everything to live up to the trust" placed in them by the public during the recent elections.
"A great deal depends on the government – monetary policy, social policy. There are many tasks ahead, and the vote cast by Russian citizens in the State Duma elections shows that this is linked to their hopes that all the goals facing us regarding the crucial areas of Russia's development and strengthening will be achieved," he said.