Putin vows to boost Russian economy as he begins 4th term

If he can get their GDP to exceed that of Texas they’ll be on a roll.

@cla68burningbush A leader that other countries only wish they had.

I'm sure there are people in many countries who'd prefer a Putin-style form of totalitarian democracy to a democracy that’s more open, one that accepts political opposition and doesn’t try to curtail it. 

Many Europeans in the 1930’s got the leaders they wished for, and it looks like some might want similar ones today.

With Russia’s huge reserves of oil and gas, with oil and gas prices rising, with Russian farmers being more productive, with Trump seemingly unwilling to apply more sanctions, it’s hard not to think Russia’s economy will improve. 

Hopefully Russia will focus its attention on issues within its own borders, and won’t try to re-establish its empire. Hopefully the technological improvements Putin wants won’t include more hacking and more false social media accounts.

He rattles the saber with the west while he and his cronies steal the country blind.

Well, let us wish him luck in his endeavours.

(Yesterday I was watching Russian-born Yul Brynner playing Ramses II in the Ten Commandments, and was strongly reminded of Vladimir Putin.)

By the way, does anyone know what that red book was, that he had his right hand on when swearing the oath?

Putin wants to make the Russian economy better? Right.

The trouble with dictatorships like Russia and Syria is that no matter how badly things are going for the people as a whole, as long as numero uno can stay on top, he and his friends will do just fine.

BTW, that is a weak link in the logic of imposing economic sanctions against Russia for their aggressive actions against neighbors; sure the sanctions hurt their economy, and even make the oligarchs marginally poorer, but how much money does a multi-billionaire need in order to be as rich as Midas?

Get rid of the henchmen and vodka, and the country might stand a chance.

If he can get their GDP to exceed that of Texas they’ll be on a roll.

Russia already (barely) exceeds Texas in GDP, bunched up with Canada and Australia - but per capita, it's in the ranks of Mexico and Italy. They might consider making things that others want to buy under an economic system that makes that possible.

I don't know what he did but it seems to be working. I'm paying more at the gas pump every weekend.

@nandakandamanda

By the way, does anyone know what that red book was, that he had his right hand on when swearing the oath?

It's the Russian constitution. Check the photos of the article, a soldier holds it in his hands.

@zichi

Putin Tzar of all Russia sworn on a Russian red bible of the Orthodox Church

False statement (see my comment above). And Russians do not place "In God we trust" on their money. And they do not swear in the name of God. State and religion are separate there.

Good luck, Vlad! The world needs strong Russia, it's necessary for strategic balance.

@Asakaze

State and religion are separate there.

Lesser than one could wish. In recent years we see extended support for Church and attempts to reintroduce religious stuff into school syllabus. Religion as well as "patriotism" are coming back as important tools of masses control.

The world needs strong Russia

Putin's Russia is still not the one world needs. And it is definitely not what Russia itself needs.

And there is no strategic balance in the modern world - there are business interests.

To improve the state economy, it's important to shake off the numerous henchmen, chosen on the basis of personal commitment, not professional qualities. And that's not what Putin will ever do.