First meeting of the 9th State Duma

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Mr Volodin,

Colleagues, friends,

First of all, I would like to congratulate all the deputies on their victory in the election. Everyone in this hall has gone through the challenging stage of public work and communicating with people. You told them about what had been accomplished, while those who were coming to the Duma for the first time spoke about what you planned to do in the country’s highest representative body. This is serious and substantial work, but, as I will say in a moment, it is, of course, an enormous responsibility to the people you met and your voters. Russian voters have entrusted you with representing their interests in the State Duma of the ninth convocation.

Its first meeting is taking place on a special day: exactly four years ago, the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics, the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions became full-fledged constituent entities of the Russian Federation, returning to the fold of Greater Russia.

I am pleased to congratulate you, all citizens of our country, on Unification Day. This holiday has come to embody our people’s unwavering aspiration to restore historical unity, of the righteous struggle of Russian people, the entire country, and the people of Donbass and Novorossiya for freedom and justice. The heroic deeds of the 2014 militias and of the heroes of the special military operation who stood up to defend the Motherland and our people. The will and dreams of our brothers and sisters – our compatriots – who fulfilled their dream in battle. Under the most challenging conditions close to the front line, millions of people took part in referendums – and I want to emphasise that, in strict compliance with international law, they made their lawful choice. It was absolutely clear and unequivocal: to reunite with Russia, with their people.

Today, we are fighting together, and together we are rebuilding and reviving Donbass and Novorossiya. The entire country is working to implement the programme for their comprehensive development, with Russian regions providing patronage and support. Construction workers, utility workers, transport and railway workers, teachers, and medical professionals are working selflessly, often at the risk of their own lives. I want to emphasise this in particular: this is not a figure of speech; they are genuinely risking their lives. Public funds are being raised. Civic and volunteer organisations, entrepreneurs, companies, and citizens of all ages and political views are helping Donbass and Novorossiya. All parliamentary parties are also participating in this effort. Thank you for demonstrating such a patriotic spirit. You are bringing the country together. Each of your decisions in this area is of historic importance and will contribute to the history of Russian parliamentarism.

It is symbolic that today, on Unification Day, deputies representing our four historical regions are taking up their duties in the State Duma for the first time. They are here in this hall with us today. Let us welcome our colleagues and their constituents, who came to the polling stations, undaunted by shelling and threats, reaffirmed their historic choice and once again proved that no one can break or intimidate our people.

Deputies and guests,

Overall, following the recent elections, the composition of the State Duma has undergone significant renewal: almost half of its members are new. This will ensure both the qualitative development of our parliamentarism and continuity in our legislative work.

Participants and veterans of the special military operation –those who have demonstrated their absolute devotion to the Fatherland on the battlefield – have received broad support from voters. I can see them here in this hall. I am confident that, upholding the traditions of frontline brotherhood, they will strengthen and reinforce the ranks of the legislature. I sincerely wish you success in your new legislative endeavours, friends.

The cohesion of our society is the surest guarantee that, together, we will achieve our goals and secure reliable guarantees for Russia’s safety and sovereignty for generations to come. That is exactly how it will be; I am absolutely certain of it.

You, the deputies of the highest representative body in Russia, have been elected to dedicate priority attention to issues of national importance: increasing Russia’s defence capability and doing everything in your power to secure our victory, and supporting our defenders and their families. The previous State Duma created a system of support measures, and your task now is to improve it.

One of the most crucial bills for this first autumn session is the federal budget for the next three years. The Government has developed a budget package of the most essential documents that must include accurate breakdowns and balances of our resources based on our current priorities, strategic goals and capabilities.

While maintaining macroeconomic stability, it is necessary to provide funding for all national projects and federal programmes. Needless to say, all social obligations to our citizens must and will be fulfilled in earnest.

It is necessary to allocate sufficient funds for exceptionally important demographic tasks, for improving the housing conditions and welfare of Russian families, especially those with children, and to support the regions, their budget stability and tax base, and their economic development in general, its steady long-term growth, and the launch of a new investment cycle. Specialists and experts state that the previous cycle is over as many programmes have been fulfilled, so it is time to give it a new boost.

I will give you just one example of a specific task at hand. During the Eastern Economic Forum, I proposed establishing a single preferential regime for the Far East and the Arctic. It is a support system for businesses that has an unprecedented scale and coverage. It builds on years of experience, which has been positive, by the way. We understand the situation in the Far East and the Arctic, but we have managed to normalise it and promote its extensive development. Moreover, many of their indicators are higher than the national average. We must support this trend by all means. This unified priority development area is to be launched on January 1, 2027, or in three months.

I have no doubt that, when addressing this and other crucial items on the agenda, the new State Duma will work just as constructively and closely, in partnership with the Government, federal agencies, regional parliaments, civil society institutions, and the expert community.

Such a businesslike approach certainly does not preclude disagreements or, naturally, debates with the executive branch. All of this is necessary. We need to carefully assess every regulation and legislative initiative, taking into account diverse opinions and proposals, as well as public sentiment. Our shared goal is to find the best, the most effective solutions to each of these issues. While deadlines matter, and we cannot afford delays, the quality of a law and its practical viability are even more important.

As I have already mentioned, this also applies to the budget law. It must be balanced and realistic. I urge you to avoid any form of populism that could undermine us from within. Mistakes are absolutely unacceptable, especially now. Unlike some others, whose names we need not name, Russia cannot go running around the world, humiliatingly begging for handouts with an outstretched hand. First, because, as I have said, it is humiliating. Second, we know full well that no one is going to give us handouts. And third, and most importantly, we do not need them. Russia’s financial system and economy are performing well. The main thing is to avoid errors and approach our tasks in these critical areas responsibly.

Together, we must strengthen the country’s legislative framework and the advantages of our national jurisdiction, moving step by step towards leadership in all key areas of development. We must be bolder in removing outdated regulatory barriers that hinder entrepreneurship, breakthrough ideas, and scientific and innovative endeavours.

Friends,

Right before our eyes, the lives of the country and its people –much like everywhere around the world – are undergoing significant change. In this era of rapid technological advancement, Russia must be at the forefront of that change. We have all the necessary opportunities, groundwork, and internal resources to achieve this. Our legislation must keep pace with the times, look to the future, and serve the people and Russia’s families, while fostering and supporting the talent, initiative, and creative energy of our nation. It is about unlocking the immense potential of the entire country – from the Far East, Siberia, the Russian North, and the central regions to Crimea, Donbass, the Caucasus, and the Urals – embracing every single region without exception.

You represent their residents – the multi-ethnic people of Russia – in the country’s supreme representative body, the State Duma, and the task of raising the standard and quality of life for our citizens must always be at the centre of your attention. This encompasses employment, healthcare, education, the environment and culture – everything that matters to the individual. After all, it is the demands of society – or rather, the meeting of people’s needs and the mandates given by voters – that determine the effectiveness of the authorities, including legislative bodies.

At the same time, your mission – as you are well aware – goes beyond merely passing laws. It is the duty of every deputy to maintain constant contact with constituents, to know what is happening on the ground, to understand people’s needs, to respond to them promptly, and to secure fair resolutions to the issues that concern the public – in short, to be true representatives of the people.

Colleagues,

The day before yesterday, I discussed the results of the recent elections and their significance for the country with the leaders of the parliamentary parties. I wish to reiterate: both the high voter turnout and the campaign results have once again confirmed the resilience of our multiparty political system and the unity of the people in the face of historic challenges.

People voted for their country, for Russia, demonstrating a determination to stand up for the Motherland and for our future. This constitutes the shared agenda, the programmatic foundation and the direct obligation of the parties represented in the State Duma.

Naturally, a heightened responsibility rests with the majority faction. I am confident that United Russia will continue to uphold democratic principles and foster dialogue with colleagues from other factions – groups that, I must emphasise, also represent the votes of millions of our citizens, all of whom deserve to be treated with respect.

And, of course, I trust that in the new convocation, too, key decisions shaping the future of the country and our people will be made with the united, consolidated support of all parliamentary parties and deputies – for we are all like-minded allies in the most important endeavour: striving for the success, security and prosperity of our Fatherland.

Thank you very much. I wish you productive work. Best of luck!