J
jdnation
Guest
Putin Restoring Soviet System Says Former Russian PM
MosNews | May 20 2005
President Putin is restoring the Soviet system with elements of capitalism, former Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov, who may run in the presidential elections of 2008, said at a press conference Thursday, Interfax reports.
Kasyanov’s reaction was prompted by the recent changes to the electoral system. The former PM said the new law is against the Russian Constitution, as it makes politics a monopoly of the current authorities and allows no alternative parties to enter the fray.
Moreover, the new law is against democracy and provides an opportunity for falsifying election results, Kasyanov said.
“It looks like the authorities are securing the possibility for falsification in future,” he was quoted by Intefax as saying.
Kasyanov did not make any official statements regarding his possible participation in the future presidential elections, but said “everything is possible”, Interfax added.
“If people have a need and desire that I run in the presidential elections, I will do so. If not, I will find other things to do,” he said.
Speaking about Mikhail Khodorkovsky’s trial, Kasyanov called it “a farce” and said such actions were inadmissible.
“My opinion is this: it is a demonstration that anyone can be treated in the same way,” Kasyanov said.
Khodorkovsky’s case has brought Russia to a critical point, and after the verdict is announced, the consequences may be negative and enduring, he added.
MosNews | May 20 2005
President Putin is restoring the Soviet system with elements of capitalism, former Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov, who may run in the presidential elections of 2008, said at a press conference Thursday, Interfax reports.
Kasyanov’s reaction was prompted by the recent changes to the electoral system. The former PM said the new law is against the Russian Constitution, as it makes politics a monopoly of the current authorities and allows no alternative parties to enter the fray.
Moreover, the new law is against democracy and provides an opportunity for falsifying election results, Kasyanov said.
“It looks like the authorities are securing the possibility for falsification in future,” he was quoted by Intefax as saying.
Kasyanov did not make any official statements regarding his possible participation in the future presidential elections, but said “everything is possible”, Interfax added.
“If people have a need and desire that I run in the presidential elections, I will do so. If not, I will find other things to do,” he said.
Speaking about Mikhail Khodorkovsky’s trial, Kasyanov called it “a farce” and said such actions were inadmissible.
“My opinion is this: it is a demonstration that anyone can be treated in the same way,” Kasyanov said.
Khodorkovsky’s case has brought Russia to a critical point, and after the verdict is announced, the consequences may be negative and enduring, he added.