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Medvedev set for annual address | Medvedev set for annual address |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev is set to give his annual state-of-the-nation address. | |
Although the contents of his speech are a secret, the president took the step this year of inviting members of the public to suggest what he should say. | Although the contents of his speech are a secret, the president took the step this year of inviting members of the public to suggest what he should say. |
He is expected to call for the strengthening of Russian democracy and for rampant corruption to be curbed. | He is expected to call for the strengthening of Russian democracy and for rampant corruption to be curbed. |
A year ago, in his first such address, he made a surprise announcement about deploying missiles close to Poland. | A year ago, in his first such address, he made a surprise announcement about deploying missiles close to Poland. |
He also announced an extension of the president's term in office from four to six years. | He also announced an extension of the president's term in office from four to six years. |
There may be more surprises this time. | There may be more surprises this time. |
But the focus is likely to be about transforming Russia into a more modern and open country. | But the focus is likely to be about transforming Russia into a more modern and open country. |
Criticism | Criticism |
This was the theme of a much-talked-about article which Mr Medvedev wrote for an internet site in September. | This was the theme of a much-talked-about article which Mr Medvedev wrote for an internet site in September. |
In the article, the president was scathing about what he called the country's primitive economy and its humiliating dependence on oil, gas and other raw materials. | In the article, the president was scathing about what he called the country's primitive economy and its humiliating dependence on oil, gas and other raw materials. |
He went on to criticise the level of corruption and the weakness of democracy in the country. | He went on to criticise the level of corruption and the weakness of democracy in the country. |
Now, he said, was the chance to prove that Russia could develop in a democratic way. | Now, he said, was the chance to prove that Russia could develop in a democratic way. |
These strong words have been seen as a criticism of his mentor and predecessor Vladimir Putin, who is now prime minister. | These strong words have been seen as a criticism of his mentor and predecessor Vladimir Putin, who is now prime minister. |
The president is keen to prove he is his own man and his speech on Thursday could be another chance to do that. | The president is keen to prove he is his own man and his speech on Thursday could be another chance to do that. |