Vladimir Putin promises ‘democratic’ elections after major confession | World | News
Russian President Vladimir Putin emerged from seclusion on Sunday to deliver a speech at the United Russia Party meeting.
The president had held talks with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko for two consecutive nights, with no photographs or media coverage allowed. Speculation has grown that the Minsk dictator is trying to broker a peace deal in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
This comes as Ukraine’s attacks on Russia’s oil refineries and pipelines have sparked fears of fuel shortages across the country. As Russians flocked to refuel their vehicles, queues began to form at gas stations.
“We are going through a difficult time, but it has taught us a lot,” he admitted.
Putin also touched upon Russia’s State Duma elections, scheduled for September.
In the video published by Clash Report on X and translated into English, Putin said: “Of course, we will defend against any foreign interference or attempts to influence our elections.
“I am confident that there will be open and free competition. Because adhering to these democratic institutions is the guarantee of the strength and security of our nation.”
Russia received a score of 12 out of 100 from Freedom House, a nonpartisan, Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that advocates for democracy around the world. The organization declared that the country was “Not Free” and operated under an authoritarian political system with power firmly concentrated in the hands of Putin.
“With compliant courts and security forces, a controlled media environment, and a legislature comprised of the ruling party and docile opposition groups, the Kremlin manipulates elections and suppresses genuine opposition,” the organization writes.
Putin is not a candidate for elections as he has secured his fifth term, which will last six years, in 2024.
He also took the opportunity to advise delegates at the conference on how to ensure victory in the upcoming elections.
“You need to spend less time in offices and more time in the field, talking to people, meeting people, understanding what they’re thinking, what they’re worried about, and testing through feedback loops any initiative you get from people,” Putin said, translating into English. he said.
