Putin explains what broad multiparty system is about
SELIGER. July 31 (Interfax) - President Vladimir Putin said Russian citizens will decide on their own which party they should support.
Asked why Russia should need so many political parties, he told participants in the Seliger youth camp on Tuesday that, "the idea is for political parties to understand that they are not supported by the public."
"This carries a deep meaning. As long as the ban exists, some may think that God has overlooked them in his sleep, or doze," he said.
"When people emerge from the underground, openly proclaiming their views, convictions and position, formulating their program, it becomes clear whether or not the public will support the new political party, or it will have to change something in order to win voters' sympathies. This carries a deep political meaning," Putin said.