Medvedev to make electoral reform pledges / Medvedev calls on Russia to reform economy / Medvedev calls for break with Soviet past

Preview and reports of the annual state of the nation speech by Dmitry Medvedev, the Russian President, to both houses of the Russian Parliament on the 12 November 2009. It was seen as capping a political season when he has made increasingly radical departures from the ideas articulated by Vladimir Putin, his authoritarian predecessor (and currently Prime Minister of Russia).

The speech contained pledges to make modest reforms to the electoral system and push towards greater political openness. Mr Medvedev also outlined plans to convert state corporations – such as conglomerate Rostekhnologiya – into joint stock companies.

Deutsche Welle, 21.11.09: Putin backs Medvedev's call for Russia modernization http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,4914670,00.html

ESO: Background information: Mixed messages revive art of Kremlinology http://www.europeansources.info/record/mixed-messages-revive-art-of-kremlinology/

Russia: Website of the Russian Federation President http://eng.kremlin.ru/

BBC News, 12.11.09: Medvedev calls for economy reform http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/8356122.stm

Russia: President of Russia: Address to the Federal Assembly, 12.11.09 http://eng.kremlin.ru/eng/text/themes/2009/11/121319_222694.shtml

ITAR-TASS, 12.11.09: Pres announce annual Message to parliament http://www.itar-tass.com/en/

France24, 12.11.09: Economic reforms top Medvedev's annual address http://www.france24.com/en/20091112-medvedev-russia-annual-address-speech-economic-reform-agenda?autoplay=

Deutsche Welle, 12.11.09: Medvedev calls for reforms but tiptoes around Putin's legacy http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,,4887826,00.html

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