Rustam Minnikhanov meets with women – employees of mass media agencies on the threshold of the 8th of March

On the threshold of the 8th of March President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov met with women – employees of mass media agencies at the Tatarstan Government House.

Rustam Minnikhanov said that such meetings had become traditional. He emphasized special role of mass media in modern society. Work of media agencies is a feedback with the public, people’s response to activity of authorities. Rustam Minnikhanov believes that deserved criticism of power helps to see many problems that should be taken under consideration. Today’s journalists should have professional skills that must be improved.

Answering journalists’ questions, Rustam Minnikhanov said that republican authorities set the task to increase number of places at pre-school institutions for children aged 1,5-3 years. Besides, variety forms of education should be developed.

President of Tatarstan continued that he does not support adoption of Russian children by foreign families. Russia is rich enough to solve this problem, he said.

Rustam Minnikhanov also commented on retirement of Tatarstan mufti Ildus Faizov. “My attitude toward Ildus hazrat is positive, but his post requires work of 15-16 hours a day. The terrorist attack influenced his health, Ildus Faizov needs medical treatment. It was his own decision to resign,” he said.

Further, Rustam Minnikhanov answered questions concerning business development in Kazan, arrangement of conditions for entrepreneurs in different spheres. He believes that there should be a dialogue with business. The President said: “Municipalities do not realize their role in this area. Anyway, business provides new jobs and infrastructure.”

Rustam Minnikhanov also commented on the situation with providing housing for orphan children. “Today the state does not have enough funds to provide housing for orphans. We could let accommodation on lease or under social mortgage,” he said.

Journalists asked questions about results of social and economic research held by experts of Leontief centre, president’s opinion about compulsory drug testing of pupils and students, reforms in housing and communal sector.