Vladimir Putin: "Russia must be spearheaded into the future, be very modern"

UFA, 14 December 2017. /Bashinform News Agency, Alim Faizov/. In Moscow today, a press conference of Russian President Vladimir Putin took place - a traditional annual meeting of the head of state with Russian and foreign journalists.

Answering the first question about why Vladimir Putin decided to run for re-election, what was his goal, what did he want to do for Russia and how should Russia change by the end of his term, the head of state replied:

"You know I have spoken many times about a Russia I would like to see. I have done this at large events and at low-key events. I will say it again: Russia must be spearheaded into the future. It must become a modern country with a flexible political system, its economy must be based on high technology, and labor efficiency must increase manifold.

I would prefer not to talk about my election program at this point. Just like any other candidate I will certainly have one. In fact, my program is almost ready. Let me repeat that this is probably not the right format for presenting it, but I can share with you some of its highlights that should be the focus of attention for the authorities and society in general. Specifically, this has to do with infrastructure development, healthcare and education. This is also about high technology, as I have already said, and improving labor efficiency.

There is no doubt that the ultimate goal of all these initiatives should be to increase household incomes in our country. This is what I can say about my program in the most general terms".