President Putin demands an end to empty promises

Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded Friday an end to the policy of empty promises on behalf of the authorities in his annual state-of-the-nation address.

"Annual state social obligations total 6.5 trillion roubles, which is twice as much as Russia's consolidated budget," pointed out the president.

In his words, both executive and legislative authorities have promised people as much as the Russian economy could not possibly yield in the past few years. Besides, some promises are announced as populist slogans, the president noted. Some politicians are unfortunately trying to do this today as well.

According to the president, besides unjustified expectations, empty promises result in the lower quality of the current economic policy, which also breeds conflicts and misbalance in inter-budgetary relations, Vladimir Putin said. Now that state expenditures are increasing more rapidly than real economy, it's difficult to expect something else, he stated.

I think, dear respected members of both chambers of the Federal Assembly and respected regional heads, we should join hands to put an end to such a policy, the president said.

The authorities cannot, must not and have no right to lie to the citizens of their country. If we promise something to people, we should do it, otherwise we should not promise anything, said the head of state.