NEWSWATCH AP: Former Putin allies question his political course

[“Former Putin allies question his political course” – AP – NATALIYA VASILYEVA –
March 31, 2015]

As Russian President Vladimir Putin marks 15 years in power, former advisors such as Alexei Kudrin are raising concerns over the impact of his current policies, such as the economic fallout of Putin’s aggressive foreign policy.

… in a rare show of dissent several long-time former allies of the president on Tuesday warned about the cost of the foreign policy. They were speaking at a round table to mark Putin’s 15 years in power and were moderated by the president’s spokesman.
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… Kudrin, Russia’s finance minister in 2000-2011 and a former deputy prime minister, argued that Putin’s focus on foreign policy means that Russia won’t return to economic growth levels suitable for a great power in coming years.
‘We’re stuck,’ he said, adding that growth rates of 1-2 percent, which is the best Russia can hope for in the current environment, ‘do not reflect Russia’s ability to be competitive in the global economy.’

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