MOSCOW: President Dmitry Medvedev called on Thursday for comprehensive reform of Russia’s political system, trying to appease protesters who have staged the biggest demonstrations since Vladimir Putin rose to power 12 years ago.
In his last state of the nation address to both houses of parliament as president, Medvedev said he wanted to restore the election of governors who until now have been directly appointed by a Kremlin keen to keep a tight grip on power.
“Today, at a new stage of development of our state, supporting the initiative proposed by our prime minister, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, I propose a comprehensive reform of our political system,” Medvedev said.
“I want to say that I hear those who talk about the need for change, and understand them. We need to give all active citizens the legal chance to participate in political life.”
The moves were intended to address calls for change by tens of thousands of protesters who have taken to the streets since a December 4 election which they say was rigged, but Medvedev ignored their main demand – to rerun the poll. (UNI)
