KFU experts comment on the President’s Address to the Federal Assembly
President Vladimir Putin presented his state of the nation speech on 21 February.
Chair of the Department of International Relations, World Politics and Diplomacy Andrey Bolshakov notes that this address was the first in two years, “In this address, the President reiterated his adherence to the course chosen in 2022. That course was the foundation for all his theses on various issues. The address was not only targeted at Russian citizens. Putin voiced that Moscow suspends its implementation of the New START treaty. It’s a significant step destined to be discussed by experts for weeks ahead.”
According to Bolshakov, social welfare news were expected and were indeed announced, especially in regard to the people involved in the special military operation, as well as educational reforms, “I was pleased to hear that we are returning to the roots of our national educational system. It’s yet difficult to make detailed assumptions, since we have to see further measures from relevant ministries.”
Dean of the Higher School of Journalism Leonid Tolchinsky says, “The Address was aimed at encompassing the fundamental changes in the country and in the world. And in general it did achieve just that and was systemic in nature. It was very calm, without panic or aggression, without emotional overload, which was important both for our people and overseas listeners.”
Professor Igor Kokh opines about the economic part of the Address, “The most important economic news of the Address concerned the ongoing modernization of the transport and energy infrastructure, of the basic industries and the agriculture, i. e. the so-called real sector of the economy. The increases in tax deductions and the maternity grant are also notable.”
Kokh also stresses the importance of a sizable increase of the minimum wage – by 18.5% since January 2024. “Such an increase will help a great number of people cross the poverty line. It’s very important because working poverty is nonsense. A working person must not be poor,” emphasizes the expert.
According to the economist, among the new interesting budget instruments is advance funding for Russian provinces – the funds for 2024 may be disbursed in 2023 to accelerate construction and other projects.