Putin not abandoning phone-ins, will hold big news conferences – spokesman

(Interfax – Novo-Ogarevo, 31 October) Russian President Vladimir Putin does not intend to abandon the format of “direct-line” (live phone-in conversations) and, in addition, is going to resume the practice of holding big traditional news conferences, the president’s press secretary Dmitriy Peskov has said.

“There will be no direct line this year. This does not mean, as some mass media have reported, that the president has abandoned this format,” Peskov told journalists.

The Kremlin intends to continue to use this format of the president’s interaction with the population because it is in demand.

“At the same time, taking into account climatic conditions, we will switch to a mode where direct lines will be conducted during warm seasons rather than at a time when you may get your ears and feet frostbitten,” Peskov said.

He also said that Vladimir Putin intended to return to the format of big traditional news conferences for the federal, regional and international mass media. “Such a news conference is planned for this year. The date of the big news conference and the date of the direct line will be announced by the press service, as usual,” Peskov said.

He explained that Vladimir Putin had abandoned the practice of holding big news conferences when he had become prime minister, but would now return to the practice as head of state.