Putin says the government has been looking at changing Russia's income tax system to a progressive tax, but suggests it won't do so because wealthier citizens would "start to use various methods to hide their income." Russia currently has a flat 13-percent income tax rate.
As moderators are questioning Putin about the state of the economy, the quotation from a viewer on the screen says: "Why does this country have money for tanks, bombs, warplanes, and machine guns but it has no money for people?"
And in this photo, the question in the corner is similar: "When will Russia begin to allocate money for Russia?"
First video question is from a man who appears to be driving (or being driven in) a truck. He asks when Putin will finally stop the spike in fuel prices, says Russians put their faith in him by voting for his fourth term.
Putin answers that what is happening with gas prices "is unacceptable," throws the question over to the Energy Minister by video link.
Energy Minister Aleksandr Novak says government has already taken measures -- which he says so far are having a positive impact -- to halt the rise in fuel prices.
Putin says he hopes the government doesn't have to threaten oil companies to ensure that fuel prices don't soar for Russians.
The opposition Khodorkovsky center has prepared this graphic to accompany Putin's response to the question about high gasoline prices:
On the horn now via video link is Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak, who tells Putin that the government has made agreements with oil companies and taken other measures to stabilize prices at fueling stations.
He suggests the government could introduce legislation to keep fuel prices low if oil companies don't play ball.
Listening to Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak drone on with a tsunami of verbiage about gasoline prices might make Direct Line organizers rethink their idea of inviting government bureaucrats to participate in the show. Moderators had to cut him off almost by force.
This commentator had the same thought while listening to Energy Minister Aleksandr Novak:
Putin tells Kozak: "Prepare that legislation." He says he'll support it.