Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Vyacheslav Volodin on his election as Chairman of the State Duma of the ninth convocation, as well as the deputies on their election victory.
“Everyone in this hall has gone through a challenging period of public engagement and interaction with the people. You spoke about what has been accomplished, or—for those entering the Duma for the first time—about your plans for work within the country’s supreme representative body. This is serious, substantial work—but it also entails, as I will mention now, a tremendous responsibility toward the people you met and who voted for you. Russia’s voters have entrusted you specifically with the task of working and representing their interests in the State Duma of the ninth convocation,” the head of state emphasized.
Addressing the key tasks facing State Duma deputies, Vladimir Putin noted that they are “called upon to prioritize issues of national importance and the strengthening of the country’s defense capability, to do everything to ensure our victory, and to support the defenders of the Motherland and their families.” “A system of such measures was largely established during the previous convocation. It must continue to be refined,” he added.
The first session of the ninth convocation is taking place on a special day: exactly four years ago, the Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics and the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions became full-fledged constituent entities of the Russian Federation, the Russian President noted. “I am pleased to congratulate you—and all the citizens of our country—on Reunification Day. This holiday embodies our people’s unstoppable drive to restore historical unity, as well as the righteous struggle of the Russian people, the entire country, and the residents of Donbas and Novorossiya for freedom and justice,” he said.
It is symbolic that deputies from these four regions are beginning their work in the State Duma for the first time on Reunification Day, Vladimir Putin emphasized. “Today, they are here in this hall with us.” “Let us welcome our—and your—colleagues and their constituents who came to the polling stations, undeterred by shelling and threats, reaffirmed their historic choice, and once again proved that our people cannot be broken or intimidated by anyone,” he declared.
In the Head of State’s view, participants and veterans of the special military operation elected to the new convocation will strengthen the body of deputies. “Participants and veterans of the special military operation—people who have proven their unwavering devotion to the Motherland on the battlefield—have received broad voter support. I see them in this hall. I am confident that, upholding the traditions of frontline brotherhood, they will reinforce and strengthen the corps of deputies,” the Russian President said, wishing them success in their new legislative work.
As the Head of State noted, one of the key pieces of legislation for the State Duma’s first—autumn—session will be the federal budget for the next three years; the Government has prepared the corresponding package of initiatives. “These are crucial documents in which resources must be precisely calculated and our capabilities balanced against current priorities and strategic goals. While maintaining macroeconomic stability, we must fund all national projects and federal programs. The state’s social obligations to our citizens must be—and undoubtedly will be—fulfilled in full,” Vladimir Putin emphasized.
He urged deputies, while working on the draft budget, to “allocate sufficient funds to address critically important demographic challenges, improve housing conditions, and enhance the well-being of Russian families—especially those raising children.” “It is essential to support the regions—ensuring their budgetary stability and tax base—and to foster overall economic development, steady long-term growth, and the launch of a new investment cycle,” the Russian President said. As the head of state emphasized, the budget law must be balanced and realistic. He noted that Russia’s financial system and economy are on solid ground; the key is to avoid mistakes and approach the tasks in these crucial areas responsibly.
“Unlike some others—we won’t name names—Russia cannot run around the world humiliatingly begging for handouts with an outstretched hand. First, because, as I have already said, it is humiliating. Second, we know full well that no one is going to give us anything. And third—most importantly—we do not need to: Russia’s financial system and economy are on solid ground,” the Russian President emphasized. He reiterated that the main priority is to avoid errors and approach the tasks at hand responsibly.
Vladimir Putin believes it is essential to strengthen the country’s legal framework and the primacy of national jurisdiction. “We must move step by step toward achieving leadership in all key areas of development, and more boldly remove outdated regulatory barriers hindering entrepreneurship, breakthrough ideas, and innovative scientific inquiry,” the President added.