Pomp over politics

Medvedev's state of the nation address was more a pompous show that a political message, writes the left-liberal daily Gazeta Wyborcza, commenting that it was interpreted accordingly: "In yesterday's speech Dmitry Medvedev promised his fellow Russians a thorough programme of modernisation. But he was unable to convince them that he's the one who can lead them toward a better future. Russia's constitution stipulates that the president must deliver an annual address to the country's political elite and - with the help of the television - the nation. In his speech he is to point the way forward for the country's domestic and foreign policy. At least from an organisational point of view the event was impressive. Thousands gathered yesterday in St. George's Hall in the Kremlin - members of government, parliamentarians, religious leaders and artists. Because on a stage like that it's important to put in an appearance."

» full article (external link, Polish)
More from the press review on the subject » International Relations, » Domestic Policy, » Russia
All available articles from » Wacław Radziwinowicz

» To the complete press review of Friday, November 13, 2009