Medvedev encourages political competition in Russia
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Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Thursday said competition is vital for the country's political stability, stressing that no party could claim itself a dominant role.
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Russian President Dmitry Medvedev holds a microphone during his visit to the state media holding (VGTRK) in Moscow May 12, 2011. [Xinhua/Reuters Photo] |
In his meeting here with staff of All-Russia State Television and Radio Company (VGTRK), Medvedev said the creation of a Popular Front proposed by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin "is within the bounds of electoral law."
"I can understand the motives of a party that wants to restore its influence in the country. But I believe that other political structures, coalitions, parties will also try to take part in election campaigns on the full scale," Medvedev said.
"No political force can regard itself as a dominant one, but any force should strive for maximum success," he added.
The president stressed "if everyone decides that things will follow a definitive scenario, then our political system does not have a future." He added that "all the electoral battles still lie ahead."
Earlier on Thursday, Putin said he had discussed with Medvedev the creation of the Popular Front and the president "supports what we are doing."
Putin last Friday proposed to create a Popular Front to unite the ruling United Russia party and various civil movements and groups for the run-up of parliamentary elections.
Boris Gryzlov, leader of the United Russia and speaker of the State Duma, said some 100 NGOs are ready to join the Popular Front 's coordination council.
Putin's initiative immediately split Russia's political and civil organizations, which either have supported the idea or criticized it with equal passion, according to local reports.
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