Russian Deputy PM Denies Stagnation, Defends Putin’s Third Term

(RIA Novosti – London, May 1, 2013) Russian Deputy Prime Minister Vladislav Surkov does not agree with those who believe that Russia is undergoing a period of stagnation.

“I cannot see any stagnation; life in Russian is very boisterous and dynamic, very volatile. We have many problems, we have many troubles. Frankly speaking, I would have been glad: it would have been good if we had a standstill. Everyone would have sat and rested, going to work later, coming back from work earlier. And yet we cannot get a standstill. We would love to but they won’t let us. Sometimes you (the West) won’t let us, with your global crises, sometimes it’s something else. It’s not happening,” Surkov said, speaking at the London School of Economics on Thursday (as received; should be Wednesday 1 May).

Answering questions from the audience, he rejected the arguments of those who explain the period of stagnation by Vladimir Putin’s re-election as president of the country for a third term.

“The debate on how many terms Putin will stay in office is an empty and contrived one. Putin is in power for his third term. Tony Blair (British prime minister) was elected three times and Angela Merkel (German chancellor) also looks set to be re-elected now. And for some reason no questions are asked. I delivered a lecture on (Franklin D.) Roosevelt: he was elected four times, and it is not clear what bad things he did for America,” Surkov said.

He also stressed that Putin left the post of president in 2008 at the peak of popularity.

“He could have changed the constitution, believe me, I worked there at the time and I know what I am talking about. Yet he did not do it, he left his post and moved to the post of prime minister at the peak of his popularity and his capabilities,” the deputy prime minister added.