President Putin announces re-election as an independent candidate

At a press conference this afternoon, December 14, Russian President Vladimir Putin confirmed that he will run for re-election as an independent candidate, instead of representing the ruling United Russia party.

Photo: RT

Russia has overcome two economic "shocks"

Discussing the Russian economy, President Putin said that Russia has overcome two economic "shocks" including the shock from Western sanctions and the shock from falling oil prices. He also said that falling oil prices have affected the Russian economy more than Western sanctions.

President Putin also presented specific figures without looking at any documents to prove that the Russian economy has overcome the shock, such as record low inflation.

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: Tass

Run for re-election as an independent candidate

He said he has not yet decided who will manage his re-election campaign. He also hopes to continue to receive support from parties and organizations even if he runs again as an independent candidate.

According to information from the Russian Central Election Commission, if he runs as an independent candidate, Mr. Putin needs to collect more than 300,000 signatures of support.

President Putin announced that he has prepared a re-election program.

Photo: RT

President Vladimir Putin and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov were present in the hall. President Putin said he would skip the introductions and go straight to the question and answer session.

The first question for Mr Putin was what is the purpose of his re-election campaign and what is the purpose of his next term if he is re-elected.

The Kremlin chief said he did not want to discuss his re-election campaign, despite the fact that he had already drawn up a plan.

Regarding the question of policy priorities for the next term if re-elected, Mr. Putin said these priorities include promoting economic development based on high technology, promoting infrastructure development, health care and education, and increasing people's income.

Inside the press conference hall. Photo: Twitter

More than 1,600 reporters attended

According to news agencySputnik, the press conference is scheduled to take place at 12 noon on December 14 local time (4 pm today Vietnam time). This is President Putin's 13th annual press conference with the participation of many domestic and international reporters.

This year, it is estimated that more than 1,600 reporters will participate in the event.

Many domestic and international reporters attended Mr. Putin's press conference. Photo: Moscow Times

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the press conference would not be time-limited. However, each press conference typically lasts more than three hours on average.

During press conferences, President Putin is willing to answer questions from reporters and citizens related to many different fields from economics, politics, diplomacy to private issues. In 2008, Mr. Putin answered a record 106 questions from more than 1,300 reporters in 4 and a half hours.

This year's press conference is expected to be more special because it is the last press conference before he ends his term and prepares for his re-election campaign in March next year. Many opinions say that Mr. Putin may officially announce the launch of his re-election campaign at today's press conference.

According to Dan Tri