Moscow: In order to reverse Russia’s declining population, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has unveiled plans. The government will spend 1.5tn roubles ($53bn; £33bn) on raising the birth rate and extending life expectancy.
He announced the plan in a key speech to the Duma on the economy ahead of presidential elections in March 2012.
The prime minister has hinted he may seek to return to the presidency, but it is unclear whether the incumbent Dmitry Medvedev would make way for him.
Putin, widely seen as the power behind the throne in Russia, stood down as president at the last election because of a constitutional limit on his term in office, and backed Medvedev – a close political ally – as his successor.
The speech was seen as an opportunity for Putin to outline his economic policies ahead of the presidential elections, as well as parliamentary elections due in December.
The prime minister positioned himself as a political hardliner, in contrast with Medvedev who has presented a more liberal face and greater openness to the West during his presidency.
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