Prime Minister Vladimir Putin believes that the programme of Russia's Popular Front will have to be a complete document with clearly articulated and attainable objectives. Putin spoke about the programme at the meeting with Mikhail Shmakov, Chairman of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia. The prime minister emphasized that the programme "must clearly and unambiguously outline the goals we set for ourselves. It needs to be a tool that will take us to those goals along the shortest possible path. And they must be attainable."
Vladimir Putin said that it is a high priority to draft the policy documents, which will be taken as a basis for the executive agencies' policy after the State Duma elections. Mikhail Shmakov assured the prime minister that the members of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions of Russia do not have their heads in the clouds so as "to include any populist policies in it. We believe there is a healthy discussion going on and I am certain that the programme will be ready as planned, that is about two weeks from now," said Mikhail Shmakov. According to the Chairman, the Federation focuses above all on Social Justice on the Way to a Society of Equal Opportunities. Shmakov stated that "labour is underestimated in Russia. We have mentioned this problem many times at the trilateral commission. Although this is usually a disputable issue, I believe the programme should include measures to correct the current inconsistencies as the economy develops." Mikhail Shmakov appeared certain that "despite any global crises, we believe that our combined efforts can prevent meltdowns and other negative phenomena in Russia that occur in more vulnerable countries."