VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
At the meeting, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said Russia's budget deficit may reach 2.4 trillion roubles by the end of 2010 and called on the government to control spending tightly in order to ensure the country's macroeconomic stability. Given these conditions, the prime minister emphasized that government funds should be directed toward priority areas that offer the greatest return, adding that all budget spending must be justified.
Vladimir Putin's opening remarks:
Good evening, everyone.
We will consider two issues at today's meeting. First, we will discuss federal targeted programmes, and then we'll turn to social issues.
Remember that beginning July 1 social pensions will be increased and indexed at 3.4%. This increase will benefit 4 million people, including pensioners with the lowest incomes. Their pensions are expected to slightly exceed their minimum cost of living after the increase.
Regarding federal targeted programmes, we should consider the amount of funding they receive as well as the prospects for ongoing programmes and opportunities for launching new ones.
Federal targeted programmes are a powerful tool for solving pressing issues of national security and economic, social and regional policy. We believe that budget resources should be used to promote development and bring about systemic changes. Keep in mind that we must control spending rather tightly in order to ensure macroeconomic stability and to steadily reduce the budget deficit, which is estimated to reach roughly 2.4 trillion roubles by the end of 2010.
Given these difficult conditions, the government must insist that all budget spending be justified and effective. This is a principle: government resources must go toward priorities and achieve the best possible results.
As we plan budget allocations for federal targeted programmes, I ask that you remain focused on two priorities. First, spending on federal targeted programmes must be kept under tight control, and we must determine the exact amount of spending on programmes based on the availability of budget resources. Second, we must establish spending priorities and identify what's most important. Spending in all other areas must be optimised or put off until a later date.
I believe that resources should primarily go to federal programmes related to innovation and support for research and development, science, and education. And, naturally, policies aimed at social development must remain a priority. We must meet all our obligations to our citizens - there can be no unfunded mandates or underfunded budget items.
Let's begin our discussion.
