Rustam Minnikhanov: We need a strong economy for realizing many social problems

We need a strong economy for realizing many social problems, President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov stated at a meeting with chiefs of federal and republican mass media presented in RT. The meeting was held in the House of RT Government with participation of chiefs of the following TV channels – “Tatarstan-Novy Vek”, “Efir”, “Rossiiskaya gazeta”, “The Republic of Tatarstan”, information agency “Tatar-Inform”.

During the conversation with chiefs of mass media Rustam Minnikhanov focused on forthcoming elections of the Russian President on March, 4, economic development of the republic, increase of citizens’ pension age, interaction with federal center, negative public mood and shared his opinion about economic crisis in Europe.

Rustam Minnikhanov believes that economic development of Tatarstan first of all depends on the advent of new plants, new jobs, and development of entrepreneurship.

“The federal center today supports all projects being realized in republic, - the Complex of oil-refining and oil chemical plants ( JSC “TANECO”) was constructed in Nizhnekamsk, the project “Ammony” is under realization in Mendeleevsk (Complex of methanol, ammonia, granulated carbamide production), the program of major repair of multi-apartment houses and relocation of citizens from unfit housing is being implemented, two republican universities have obtained the status of national research institutions,” RT President stressed.

Moreover, the federal center endorsed the initiative of Kazan to host summer Universiade 2013 and other initiatives on holding international sport events.

By words of Rustam Minnikhanov a certain dissatisfaction with the power is being observed in society. “Probably we did not feel all problems deeply, and we did not manage to explain what we really do. But he who makes no mistakes, makes nothing,” Rustam Minnikhanov said.

As for protest meetings, people express certain opinions there, RT President said. However, we should not forget that some people come there to tell about real painful problems, others – just to show off.

Answering questions of chiefs Rustam Minnikhanov said that use of modern technologies, new equipment, training of highly skilled personnel are important today in all spheres.

Speaking about possible increase of pension age head of republic noted that the whole civilized world is about to take up this idea though this measure is not so popular yet. “Duration of life is increasing in the world and we have to take it into account,” he said.

Rustam Minnikhanov also commented on distribution of powers between subjects and federal center. He believes that today Tatarstan is well integrated in new economic situation due to its good manageability. For sure, it is the Head of a region who must be responsible for everything which happens in the region, RT President said.