Medvedev Courts Farmers and War Veterans
Presidential front-runner Dmitry Medvedev hit the campaign trail over the weekend with a promise to continue subsidies for farmers amid Russia’s drive to join the World Trade Organization.
“As far as the WTO is concerned, we are working on this issue. But we will offer adequate state support for the development of the agricultural sector,” Medvedev said during a visit to Volgograd, the site of one of the biggest World War II battles, known by its Soviet-era name of Stalingrad.
Agriculture and the WTO are key battlefields for liberal- and conservative-minded politicians. Liberals believe sticking to tough WTO rules will boost efficiency and competitiveness in farming, while conservatives say it could kill the sector.
Medvedev’s visit to Volgograd coincided with the 65th anniversary of the Stalingrad battle, a turning point of World War II in which the Red Army broke the backbone of the Nazi military machine.
Medvedev, who with President Vladimir Putin’s support is widely expected to win the March 2 election, met war veterans and promised them state support.
“The state will continue to raise the veterans’ pensions and take care of medical help and recreation for you,” he told them.
Medvedev, a first deputy prime minister, visited Volgograd on the day when presidential campaigning officially kicked off. Medvedev has said he will not take part in campaigning events like rallies or debates, citing a busy schedule in the Cabinet. His regional tours are arranged as business trips.
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Monday, February 4th, 2008 at 8:00 pm under