Putin: I’m the only ‘pure’ democrat

RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin has described himself as the world’s only “pure” democrat and accused the United States and Europe of falling short of their own ideals.

In an interview with western media released yesterday, he rejected western criticism that he has centralised power in the Kremlin, marginalised the opposition and increased state control over the media.

Asked whether he agreed with former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder’s description of him as an “impeccable democrat,” Mr Putin laughed. “Of course I am an absolute, pure democrat. But you know the problem? It’s not even a problem, it’s a real tragedy. The thing is that I am the only one, there just aren’t any others in the world.”

The Kommersant newspaper reported that Mr Putin said the West’s record on democracy was less than perfect. “Let’s look what happens in North America — sheer horror: torture, the homeless, Guantanamo, keeping people in custody without trial or investigation,” said Mr Putin said.

“Look what’s going on in Europe: the harsh treatment of demonstrators, the use of rubber bullets, tear gas in one capital or another, the killing of demonstrators in the streets.” He also attacked post-Soviet Ukraine for “completely violating the constitution and all its laws” and heading for “complete tyranny” — an apparent reference to the political deadlock between rival factions over the calling of fresh elections.

“After the death of Mahatma Gandhi there’s nobody to talk to,” he concluded, referring to the Indian leader who championed non-violent resistance to tyranny.

Asked whether there was any move in Russia towards a return to totalitarian rule, Mr Putin said: “That is complete rubbish, don’t believe that.”