Medvedev makes case for reforms

Report of speech by Russia’s President Dmitry Medvedev as the keynote address to the annual Yaroslavl Forum on the 10 September 2010.

He made clear that his ambitious economic modernisation agenda depends on further democratic political reforms, but said these would be gradual.

Observers were seeking clues to Mr Medvedev’s political plans; many insiders believe he wants a second presidential term when his first ends in 2012.

Mr Medevdev’s comments will inevitably be interpreted as at variance from the line maintained by Vladimir Putin, Russia’s Prime Minister and Mr Medvedev’s political mentor, who is considered the more powerful of the two men in the governing 'tandem' ruling Russia.

ESO: Background information: Putin hints at return as president http://www.europeansources.info/record/putin-hints-at-return-as-president/

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