Power is not a reward: Putin urges lawmakers to serve the people

On April 27, Russian President Vladimir Putin addressed members of the Legislative Commission, reminding them that power is a heavy burden and responsibility, not a reward, and urging lawmakers to get closer to the people and serve the common citizens.

In his speech, the head of state discussed the upcoming ninth State Duma elections this autumn and wished candidates "good luck in federal and other-level elections."

"In this regard, I would like to remind everyone of what Alexander Solzhenitsyn said in the State Duma in 1994. Alexander Isayevich stated that power is not a prize in party competition, nor a reward, nor sustenance for personal ambition. Power is a heavy burden, a responsibility, an obligation, work—work, and more work. In my view, this is extremely timely and accurate."

Putin reminded lawmakers that they not only possess legislative authority but also represent the people; when drafting laws, they must monitor their implementation and maintain continuous contact with the public. The president added:

"You should listen to and respect the people's opinions, step beyond real, even seemingly mundane situations, avoid laws becoming detached from reality, take responsibility, and swiftly make decisions beneficial to the people’s interests."

Today, Putin spoke about a series of difficulties facing Russia, pointing out that these challenges are temporary, while Russia itself is eternal. Those who seek to divide and undermine Russian society are mistaken, as they do not understand Russia.

Putin has repeatedly drawn on Solzhenitsyn’s works and ideas in the past. At the 2022 Valdai Forum, Putin recalled Solzhenitsyn’s speech at Harvard, highlighting how the West continues to impose its values through racism and neo-colonialist actions. He cited Solzhenitsyn’s famous phrase about the "persistent blind spot of superiority."

In 2023, during a session at the Eastern Economic Forum, the president referred to Solzhenitsyn as a "genuine Russian patriot in civilizational terms."

This year’s annual Legislative Commission meeting in St. Petersburg coincides with the date of Russia’s first-ever State Duma assembly, which took place exactly 120 years ago on April 27, 1906, held at the Tauride Palace in St. Petersburg.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863627841992074/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.