Medvedev urges criticism on economic policy

MOSCOW (AFP) - President Dmitry Medvedev called Friday for open debate on the economy, saying public criticism only improved policymaking and vowing Russia was stable enough to withstand internal argument.

"There is nothing surprising in there being criticism of the course being undertaken" by the authorities to deal with the severe economic downturn, Medvedev told regional lawmakers in a meeting at the Kremlin.

"Obviously, discussion of matters that lie in your area of responsibility -- and today this is first and foremost overcoming the effects of the crisis -- is quite acceptable and even necessary," Medvedev said.

His comments were unusual in a country accustomed to vital policy decisions being made by a handful of officials behind closed doors and reflected growing unease among top officials at the spectre of social unrest over the economy.

Medvedev said all political parties represented in regional parliaments, including the liberal opposition Yabloko party and the communists, should be involved in open debate on formulation of economic policy amid the crisis.

Kremlin critics have questioned plans being implemented by the government of Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to combat the economic downturn, saying key measures have been decided in private and were not transparent.

Critics say that public funds have been spent to bail out Kremlin-friendly tycoons and charge that 200 billion dollars (155 billion euros) spent by the authorities to prop up the ruble were wasted.

Last week, Medvedev told the government to submit plans to parliament for coping with Russia's economic slowdown, saying they should be debated publicly to earn maximum legitimacy.

Putin never publicly responded to Medvedev's request, but his influential first deputy, Igor Shuvalov, said the government's anti-crisis plans had previously been and would continue to be discussed publicly.

Medvedev also seemed eager to quell media speculation of a growing rift between him and Putin as the effects of a sharp devaluation of the ruble and rising unemployment are putting both leaders under increasing strain.

"We have had virtually no political problems recently," Medvedev said, using the occasion to take a jab at neighboring Ukraine by contrasting that ex-Soviet republic's open political feuding with the apparent calm of Russia.

"A country going through the (economic) crisis with political complications has every chance of getting into a default," the state news agency RIA Novosti quoted Medvedev as saying.

"Look what's happening at our neighbours... They are having some sort of 'political season,' essentially endless exacerbations of an interclan struggle," the Russian president added.

The Russian opposition weekly magazine New Times published a poll last week showing that only one-fifth of the business and political elite fully supported Putin, while a Kremlin-connected spin doctor suggested earlier this month there was a chance of a "new little coup."

Medvedev however was hand-picked by Putin to succeed him in the Kremlin last year and few experts anticipate that the young Russian president would strike out on a course truly independent of that set by his mentor.

Still, Medvedev's tone was a contrast to Putin's uncompromising public rhetoric and the Russian president stressed the importance for regional lawmakers to stay in constant touch with their constituents.

"Once again I would like to underline the urgent importance of communication today with various social groups. I want you to understand that today we live in a new reality," he said.