Interfax: Putin says Russian authorities “not connected to any particular person, including the incumbent president”

SOCHI. June 5 (Interfax) – Russian President Vladimir Putin has disagreed with suggestions alleging the existence of the “Putin regime”, adding that Russia has standard democratic institutions, which, however, have their own specifics and traditions.

“The current regime is not connected to any particular person, including the incumbent President. We have common democratic state institutions, although they reflect Russia’s needs,” Putin said in an interview with the French media.

“What are they? The overwhelming majority of Russian citizens tend to rely on their traditions, their history and, if I may say so, their traditional values,” he said.

“I see this as the foundation and a factor of stability in the Russian state, but none of this is associated with the President as an individual,” he said.

Putin offered his comments after being asked how he defines the “Putin regime”.

When asked whether a person can stand in opposition to the authorities in Russia without fear of losing his ties and reputation, without being punished, Putin said that “if you listen to some of our radio stations and watch some TV shows, I assure you, you are unlikely to find anything similar to this kind of opposition in France.”

Putin also disagreed with a French reporter asking him who persuaded the Russian president that he “is carrying out a special mission for Russia”

“Why do you think that I believe I’m carrying out a special mission? I have the trust of my voters. Over 63% of Russian citizens voted for me. I believe I hold a national mandate to carry out domestic and foreign policy, and I will fulfill my obligations under this mandate,” Putin said.

“I would like to be remembered as a person who did his best for the happiness and prosperity of his country and his people,” he added.