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Medvedev calls for economy reform | Medvedev calls for economy reform |
(20 minutes later) | |
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has called for profound reform of the economy in his annual state of the nation address. | |
The Soviet model was no longer working, he said, and modernisation based on "institutions of democracy" was needed. | |
Russia could not blame external factors for the economic crisis, he added. | |
The nation had to shift from its oil and gas-based economy and raise Russia to a "new, higher level of civilisation". | |
"Instead of a primitive economy based on raw materials, we shall create a smart economy, producing unique knowledge, new goods and technologies, goods and technologies useful for people," he said. | |
"Instead of an archaic society, in which leaders think and decide for everybody, we shall become a society of intelligent, free and responsible people." | |
Over one million Russians were at risk of losing their jobs, he said, and pressing social issues needed to be addressed. | |
The time had come, he said, for Russia "to attain the status of a world power on an absolutely new basis". | |
Transforming | |
A year ago, in his first such address, Mr Medvedev made a surprise announcement about deploying missiles close to Poland. | A year ago, in his first such address, Mr Medvedev made a surprise announcement about deploying missiles close to Poland. |
There might be more surprises this time. But, say analysts, the focus is likely to be on transforming Russia into a more modern and open country. | There might be more surprises this time. But, say analysts, the focus is likely to be on transforming Russia into a more modern and open country. |
This, reports the BBC's Richard Galpin in Moscow, was the theme of a much talked about article which Mr Medvedev wrote for an internet site in September. | This, reports the BBC's Richard Galpin in Moscow, 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, our correspondent adds. | These strong words have been seen as a criticism of his mentor and predecessor Vladimir Putin, who is now prime minister, our correspondent adds. |
The president is keen to prove he is his own man and his speech is being seen as an opportunity to do this. |