Putin rejects calls to rerun election
In blustery remarks likely to further fuel anger against his 12-year rule, Putin insisted the December 4 parliamentary election, which drew allegations of fraud and triggered the largest protests in Russia in 20 years, was a genuine reflection of the people’s will. He also put a positive spin on the protests that dented his power and threatened his bid to reclaim the presidency in the March 4 vote, saying they reflected a rise in public activity that he welcomes.
“The results of this election undoubtedly reflect the real balance of power in the country,” Putin said on a marathon TV show that lasted 4½ hours. “It’s very good United Russia has preserved its leading position.”
In a characteristic move, he accused protest organisers of working to destabilise the country on orders from the West. “That’s a well-organised pattern of destabilising society.”
Putin alleged the organisers of Saturday’s demonstration by tens of thousands in Moscow had paid some participants and publicly referred to them as sheep. Unleashing his penchant for dismissive and earthy remarks, Putin derided the white ribbons that have been adopted as a protest symbol, saying he thought demonstrators had “put some condoms” on their sleeves to promote safe sex.
The harsh comments and his insistence that the December 4 election was valid will likely fuel anger and may produce even bigger crowds for upcoming protests. The number of people who signed up on Facebook to go to the December 24 rally rose from 18,000 to 21,500 just in the hours Putin was speaking.
Putin’s comments came on the same day that his most notable competitor, New Jersey Nets owner Mikhail Prokhorov, announced that his first move if elected would be to pardon jailed tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky. Once Russia’s richest man, Khodorkovsky has been in prison since 2003 on tax evasion and fraud charges widely seen as a punishment for defying Putin’s power.
Speaking in the Russian capital with supporters, Prokhorov hailed last weekend’s massive protest in Moscow against vote fraud.
“I deeply understand the demands and the strivings of the people who took to the streets,” Prokhorov told reporters.
Prokhorov, 46, worth €14 billion, made his fortune in metals, banking and media. He also owns 80% of the New Jersey Nets.
Asked about Prokhorov’s presidential bid, Putin said he would welcome a strong competitor. He also added he would consider Khodorkovsky’s plea for a pardon if he submits one.
