Putin speaks about the September Duma elections and the return to single-mandate districts together with party-list candidates. Says authority of legislative branch has been enhanced.
Putin notes that United Russia has a constitutional majority in parliament. "Citizens determined the results of the elections."
“Putin began coughing earlier than usual.”
Putin: In culture and politics and the mass media, no one can restrict the ability to express one's opinions.
Putin notes that 2017 is 100th anniversary of Bolshevik revolution in Russia and calls for "profound" analysis of those events.
Putin: Says it is wrong to "speculate on the tragedies" that touched every family and create divisions. "We are one people, united," he says.
Putin notes that Russian demographic situation continues to improve and population is growing faster than in many European countries.