Official website of the President of Russia

News   /

The members of the commission unanimously approved the decision.

Commission chairman Aleksandr Veshnyakov congratulated Mr Putin on his registration and handed him a candidate’s certificate.

After receiving the certificate, Mr Putin thanked all Russians who had given their signatures for their political and moral confidence in him.

At the end of the meeting, Mr Putin met with journalists. The acting head of state described as utterly absurd the rumours in the media that the presidential election date may be changed. He said the election campaign must comply with the constitution and the law.

Speaking of his own political plans, Mr Putin pointed out that the schedule of his trips across the country would be dictated above all by his duties as head of state and the Government, rather than by the election campaign. The Acting President also said that he had set February 25 as the date for announcing his economic programme. One of its priorities, he said, was tax reform.

Commenting on the situation in the North Caucasus, Mr Putin noted that the counter-terrorist operation there should not be tied to events in the country’s domestic political life. Its timeframe would be determined solely by military factors.

In response to a question about Radio Liberty journalist Andrei Babitsky, Mr Putin said that he was in touch with those concerned with the problem, including representatives of the secret services. The Acting President added that they were doing their utmost to guarantee the reporter’s safety, health and freedom.