Ex-finance minister does not rule out new economic crisis in Russia with political repercussions

(Interfax – VALDAI, September 19, 2013) Former Russian Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin has said that should another economic crisis break out in Russia, it might bring with it political consequences.

“If a crisis occurs, it will trigger political repercussions,” Kudrin told reporters on the sidelines of the Valdai discussion club.

The ex-minister, however, declined to forecast when a new crisis might erupt.

“At the moment, we are witnessing sluggish growth. A crisis occurs when economic growth turns negative. But our rates are still positive,” he said.

Kudrin, who today chairs the Civil Initiatives Committee, called on the Russian authorities to promote the formation of a normal investment climate in the country.

“We should try to secure further investment, primarily money from our Russian investors,” he said.