Medvedev proposes reduction of limits for parlimentary polls to 3-5%

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev had an interview with Financial Times, talking on Russia's interior and foreign policy, RIA Novosti reports.

The president noted that they have no disagreements with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. Their relations have not changed in the last years. Medvedev reminded that he had worked as an assistant of the chairman of the Leningrad city council, the Mayor of Saint-Petersburg Sobchak.

Medvedev added that they have no disagreements with the Cabinet either. However, he said that sometimes he needs to insist on his own decision, such as the issue of insurance payments. The payments were reduced to 30% for all business and 20% for small business.

The president pointed out the need for functionaries to change attitude towards business. They need to be more active in changing the management system. As an example, Medvedev reminded about his work as the Board head of Gazprom for 8 years. The legislature needs to change as wee, he added.

Medvedev said that they do not need to return to governor elections and should keep appointing them.
The president also believes that limits for parties at the parliament should be reduced from 7% to 3-5%. Lack of political competition harms market economy.

Medvedev said that Russia may achieve a budget deficit of 1% this year. It has been reduced from 3.6% of the GDP to 1.3%

Russia will not allow the UN Security Council to pass a resolution on Syria similar to the one on Libya. Disorders in Syria started in mid-March. Human rights activists say that over 1,200 people died. Syrian authorities blame foreign states. UK, France, Germany and Portugal proposed a new resolution on Syria on June 8, the Resolution 1973.