What was the most important part of the prime minister's report?
Mikhail Leontyev, the editor-in-chief of Ogonyok magazine:
"Putin continues to position himself as the man responsible for the economy. Despite any provocations, he doesn't speak about his political ambitions. I liked what he said about the military and industrial complex."
Boris Reznik, the deputy chairman of the Duma Committee on Information Policy:
"Many people were worried recently by the government's instruction to study other countries' experiences in regulating the Internet. Today, Putin promised that our government will not impose any restrictions on the use of the Web. This matters a lot for all of us, including journalists. The social prospects outlined by Putin are also very important." (Read details on Internet problems on pp. 14-15)
Mikhail Margelov, the chairman of the Federation Council's Committee on International Affairs:
"It is important that Putin made the point that the 10 years of steady development that Russia desperately needs will ultimately consolidate our position of one of the world's leaders."
Sergei Smirnov, the director of the Social Policy Institute:
"The prime minister hinted at the social policy's inevitable toughening. The reserve funds are negligible. What is the source for further raising pensions and upgrading medicine? This can only be achieved by enhancing economic efficiency and this is not what we are strong at."
Agvan Mikaelyan, the general director of FinEkspertiza:
"Putin has raised all kinds of questions – more effective business, investments, road building... But he has not clearly set forth the priorities for the country's industrial and economic development."
Vladimir Plotnikov, the president of the Russian Farms and Agricultural Co-Operatives Association:
"The government will help farmers register land plots, support pig and poultry farms and grant equipment at 50% off! It is also important that the prime minister expressed his desire to develop infrastructure in the countryside."
Maj.-Gen. Andrei Vyazmitinov, a doctor of military sciences:
"Putin has clearly outlined a range of problems facing the army – from the need to increase remuneration and improve housing conditions for servicemen to the development of strategic forces. If these objectives are met, reform will be carried out and Russia will have modern armed forces.
Galina, a listener of KP radio (97.5 FM):
"Putin said very little, and in the very end something about apartments for retired servicemen. The government is aware of the problem, but is resolving it slowly."
Privetmaskva, a reader of the KP.RU website:
"This is a systemic approach. Putin clearly set forth the issues and the ways to resolve them. We'll have to see how this is done in practical terms. Maybe this will be done properly and maybe, as the saying goes: 'We've done our best, you know the rest...'"