It took place at the former Red October confectionery (now Russia's first themed techno-park, Digital October).
It was at this centre that Medvedev gathered his supporters for the first time a month and a half ago. Putin had not visited this centre before. More than 200 people from different walks of life – business people and actors, investigators and farmers, kindergarten teachers and pensioners – attended the meeting.
"We believe that our course (directed by the authorities in the last few years – Ed.) has justified itself. This is why we are not ashamed of standing for reelection. We believe we have done much, although just as much remains to be done," Medvedev said.
Putin added that Medvedev and he decided to "clear up issues that the voters consider important." The first issue was about salaries. The president and the prime minister reminded the audience that teacher's and doctor's salaries had been raised and promised to increase the incomes of kindergarten teachers.
"We'll do this, don't have any doubts," Medvedev promised and recalled his first salary to illustrate the growth of income in the last few years. At one time he was a department assistant at St Petersburg University. Having received his salary he decided to convert it into dollars.
"My monthly salary in 1990 was seven dollars. People do not like to recall the bad times, but we must remember where we started," the president said.
Yelena Arshinova, a co-chairwoman of the Young Guards Coordinating Council, complained about the horrible hostels in Russia.
"Well, I think the 'Expanded Government' website will deal with this issue," Putin suggested.
"This is our style – switching the responsibility to someone else!" Medvedev smiled.
Putin acknowledged that the government had reduced spending on hostel repairs but promised the audience to find the money for this purpose.
A doctor from Nalchik suggested restoring Gosplan (the State Planning Committee). He thought this would help provide personnel for provincial clinics.
"This was part of a different economic system and we don't need it now," Medvedev argued. "It is inappropriate to compel people to work in specific jobs."
Medvedev said instead it would make sense to sign contracts with young specialists, under which they will have to work in a specific place for several years.
Putin recalled a joke on this issue. "There is a parade on Red Square. Artillery and tanks are followed by people in suits with portfolios. Everyone wonders who they are. 'This is Gosplan, a weapon of horrible destructive power!'"
"Gosplan had many positive features but it cannot be applied to a market economy," Putin summed up and said that Gosplan should be replaced with strategic planning.
Referring to people with disabilities, Medvedev reported that severely disabled (Group I) people will be given an opportunity to work. "The government will have to give up on many absurdities," he said.
"People who work feel adequate and independent," Putin said, adding that the government and entrepreneurs should cooperate in creating well-paid jobs for disabled people.
Speaking with Anatoly Lebed, a troop scout and Hero of Russia, Putin said that the salaries of service personnel performing duty under hazardous conditions will run as high as 200,000 roubles next year. Lebed said he received 90,000-95,000 roubles.
"Those who don't want to feed their own army will feed a foreign one," Putin said.
Commenting on Russia's response to the European missile defence system, Medvedev said that his decision had nothing to do with the elections.
"This was a well-considered decision, but in fact, I was pushed into it," Medvedev said recalling his talk with Barack Obama after last year's NATO- Russia Council summit in Lisbon.
"Barack, remember we'll have to reply if you don't meet Russia halfway reasonably soon," Medvedev recalled his words. Obama said the United States would not sign any binding documents with Russia on this issue.
Yelena Krivyakina
