Word: yeltsin
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...Yeltsin: Of course I have thought about it -- and began to think about it a while ago. But I think it would be premature now for me to announce my decision...
...Yeltsin: This idea emerged because we have more than 50 parties in Russia. As we move toward the election campaign, they have started fighting for voters, creating such a political hullabaloo that it is difficult to sort things out. As a result, sometimes those who are not the right people get into the State Duma. Therefore, we decided to cut off both the left and the right wings of the extremist movement and create two centrist blocs, because as you understand, one centrist bloc would be too big. This would be a model of the bipartisan system you have...
TIME: Are you bothered by the drop in your public ratings? Yeltsin: To be honest, I am much more concerned about other things-the continuing drop in the standard of living of Russians, the decline of several major industries, the situation in Chechnya, crime and so on. I wasn't elected President to ensure myself a high rating. Everyone will like you if you do nothing or take wait-and-see positions, transferring the responsibility to others. I'm not like this. In carrying out these kinds of reforms, you have to resort to unpopular measures. So the choice...
...Yeltsin: Discussions have been going on about postponing or canceling the elections. Some say we need to ensure stability in this period of change. On the other hand, the opposition wants to destabilize the situation and cause people to distrust the government and is spreading rumors that the authorities intend to disrupt the elections. In my message to the Federation Council this year, I particularly emphasized the importance of holding elections at the times set by the Constitution. The executive branch will do everything to ensure this...
...Yeltsin: First, I would like to thank them for their concern, and secondly, I'd like to say they have nothing to be worried about. Recently I underwent a complete medical checkup. The results were made known to the Russian press. The specialists did not uncover any noticeable deviations from the norm. There are fluctuations, of course, in my blood pressure, but the doctors and I are watching this. In general, I feel fine...