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Power… and Ownership… to the People! On 4 March, vote for Zyuganov!
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My Commitment to the Citizens of Russia, from G A Zyuganov, Presidential Candidate of the KPRF and Allied People’s Patriotic Forces
My fellow citizens! I’m addressing you at a difficult hour for the motherland. Over the past 20 years, Russia has suffered huge losses. The country is dying. There’s no part of the country without dead and dying villages. There’s no city without ruined enterprises. The standard of living of most people is falling. Scientific and technological backwardness has become rampant. We missed a unique opportunity. We’re going to have to start an accelerated rise or crash to the bottom. The times demand immediate change.
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THIS is what the Church thinks of Socialism and of those who advocate it… it doesn’t worship the wealthy and warmongering West the way some diaspora clerics do…
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For the Sake of the Country
Around the world, capitalism persistently produces glaring poverty, conflicts, war, cultural degradation, and environmental problems. Once again, this bankrupt system has plunged the world into an acute crisis, and our country is one of its victims. Realising the gravity of present problems, I, Gennady Zyuganov, am ready to assume responsibility for the fate of Russia. If I win election as the President of the RF, I guarantee that I’ll form a Government of the People’s Trust composed of professionals and patriots. It’ll be a coalition, with the inclusion of different political parties and non-partisan figures. The new Head of Government won’t engage in political propaganda, nor interfere in the organisation of economic life.
The work of the Executive Branch will address and overcome the five major threats looming over Russia:
- Huge social inequalities
- Demographic crisis
- Economic collapse
- Weakness of defence forces
- Spiritual and moral degradation
Steering the state, our team will provide:
- National security for the country and personal wellbeing for its citizens
- Transition from economic decline to accelerated development
- Eradicate poverty and social degradation
- Strengthening the concord between the peoples of Russia
- Legality, rule of law, and human rights
We’ll do it for the people and with the people.
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Updating the Political System
In my activity as Head of State, I agree to subordinate my actions to the people’s approval. There’d be real equality of the peoples of Russia in public administration and in the disposal of public property. No one will do anything against the people’s will. I’d give immediate orders to the proper law enforcement authorities to investigate all alleged electoral fraud in the last parliamentary election. Besides that, I’d set new parliamentary elections for 1 December 2012. We’d hold new elections for the RF Federation Council at the same time as those for the RF Gosduma. I’d guarantee you an open and fair electoral system. Russia’s Election Commission would have members of all political factions. We’d guarantee a full-fledged television debate with the obligatory participation of the leaders of political parties and presidential candidates. There’d be tougher penalties for falsification of election results.
We’d expand the authority and oversight functions of parliament and reduce the presidential term to 5 years. An individual could sit as President for two terms, and no more. The Vice President would be elected along with the President. By the end of 2012, I’d submit a draft law to the Gosduma on the direct election of governors. The only “filter” for their election would be the opinion of local residents, with an open competition of political parties and candidates. During the course of the year, we’d act on special anti-corruption legislation. In 2013, we’d have a new law on the use of referendums. This would be a real opportunity to expand the people’s direct exercise of power. By 2014, the country would have a unified system of local councils and increased funding for the needs of local governments. From 2015 onwards, the citizens will elect people’s judges in cities and in Raions. People would have the opportunity to influence the government through community-based organisations and people’s control.
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Death to World Imperialism
Unknown Artist
1918-20
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Russian Security
Under my leadership, the Government of the People’s Trust would lead a new course. Its formula would be “Three plus Seven plus Five”:
- THREE new foreign policy directions
- SEVEN new areas of economic policy
- FIVE new social priorities
After the destruction of the USSR, one saw overconfident actions all over the world. There was a new order in the world… with seizure of natural resources and markets, along with the imposition of pro-Western juntas. The USA is waging several wars of conquest. Washington’s project of a “Greater Middle East” is only part of its plans for world domination. Our country needs a shield against any such aggression. Without it, we can’t provide favourable conditions for development and decent living in Russia. Official Moscow hasn’t taken measures to counter NATO. Russia’s actual consent to the invasion of Libya was shameful. The ratification of the START-3 Treaty masks a US arms race. Our defence potential’s rapidly eroding, our country’s being laid waste continually, and friends such as Byelorussia are isolated. It’s of the utmost importance to restore our national security and to guarantee the sovereignty of Russia. To do this we must solve three problems.
1. New Foreign Policy Priorities
We’d focus on establishing equitable relations in the world, to expand the number of permanent allies and partners of Russia. We’d direct our efforts on enhancing the role of the UN, to foster a multipolar world, limiting the influence of NATO. Our compatriots abroad would receive reliable protection.
2. Create a New Union of Fraternal Peoples
I’d do everything possible to accelerate the convergence of the countries of the former USSR by forming a single economic space of Russia, Byelorussia, the Ukraine, and Kazakhstan. We’d establish a stable Union State of Byelorussia and Russia.
3. Strengthening National Defence
The Government of the People’s Trust would stop the “reforms” of the Army and Navy. We’d renew the armed forces and the military-industrial complex. We’d see to it that the families of officers would have housing, schools, preschool institutions, and houses of culture.
I firmly promise you an independent and peaceful foreign policy, and that I’d defend the motherland from all external threats.
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The Golden Idol of the Lord of World Capitalism
Unknown Artist
1918-20
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Economic Policy
During the years of “reforms”, more than two-thirds of Russia’s industrial potential was destroyed. From 9,850 extractive industries, only 416 remain public. As a result, the oligarchs’ profit is 400 times more than what our whole country gets from the exploitation of our natural resources. That is why the number of beggars is unprecedented, production plummets, and infrastructure’s falling apart before our eyes. It’s time to improve the situation drastically. To create economic growth instead of “economic cash-cows”, we need to solve seven problems.
1. Nationalisation
We’d enact Land, Forest, and Water Codes, and a new Law on Mineral Resources, which would consolidate public ownership of natural resources. Moreover, nationalisation would affect oil and gas, banking, energy, aircraft building, and rail transport. It’d give the State the major financial resources. Russian budget revenues would double. This money would fuel economic recovery and help to resolve social problems. However, I emphasise that to transfer everything to state ownership doesn’t make sense. Moreover, we aren’t talking about privatised apartments, housing lots, and other personal property. Nationalisation would only affect a narrow circle of people. At the same time, those who were reasonable in the ‘90s, who invested in the development of production, we’ll offer a decent compensation. We’re ready to work with these people as professionals, and invite them to participate in interesting projects as investors. Our team is ready to dialogue and reach reasonable compromises, but we won’t indulge the whims of oligarchs. I guarantee you that nationalisation would benefit 99 percent of the population, including small and medium business-owners. You’d see how the government would stop the growth of tariffs for gas and electricity, utility services, and transportation, as well as stopping rises in prices for coal, oil, and lubricants. This would also decrease the price of food and other goods.
2. New Industrialisation
We would act on the principle, “Continual Modernisation”. We’d increase public investment in the development of industry by at least 20 trillion roubles in the period from 2013 to 2016. We’d act according to the latest developments in scientific and technological progress. We’d reform the Unified Energy System.
3. The Revival of Rural Russia
We’d restore the country’s food security. Provision for the development of agriculture would form 10 to 15 percent of the federal budget. The Government would ensure the creation of large collective farms and provide the farmers with modern technology. We’d break down price disparities, and re-establish cultural institutions, schools, kindergartens, hospitals, and clinics in rural areas. We’d guarantee full access to natural gas supplies in the villages.
4. Change of Fiscal Policy
Today, the bosses deplete the economy, putting petrodollars abroad as a “nest egg” for themselves and their bankers. Our monetary and financial policies, as well as control over the pricing and tariffs, should guarantee that such funds support domestic producers and municipalities. The Russian banking system would consist of state-owned banks, including Vneshtorgbank, Sberbank, Stroibank, and Selkhozbank. They’d ensure efficient use of financial resources and the effective circulation of money. Commercial banks whose services stimulate economic and social development would survive. We’d curtail speculation sharply, as it suffocates the economy with excessively high interest rates on loans.
5. The Revision of the Tax System
Taxes for the manufacturing sector would decline. Significant benefits would go to producers of competitive products, and to those that direct funds to R & D. We’d introduce a progressive income tax, adding two trillion roubles annually to the budget. However, you wouldn’t pay income tax if your salary were less than 12,000 roubles per month per family member.
6. Accelerated Development of Science
In Russia, the share of high-tech products in exports decreased by 0.5 percent. In Germany and Japan, such growth exceeded 30 percent, and the USA increased high-tech sales by 40 percent. To remedy this shameful situation, we’d double funding for scientific research in 2014. Support for such a revival would come from the government, the Soviet-era ”science cities”, and other research centres. We’d guarantee decent pay to scientists, and we’d give housing and other social support to promising young researchers. Scholarships for postgraduate and doctoral students would increase fourfold. Russian science would become actively involved in formulating public policy. The President and the Government would make key decisions only after seeking approval from the best minds in the country.
7. Implementation of the “Conquest of Space”
Investment in the Russian aircraft industry would double in 2013. We’d carry out consolidation of airlines, create modern short-haul aircraft, and take measures to ensure air traffic safety. We’d pay special attention to the construction of modern highways, and implement a development programme for sea and river transport. Regulation of transportation tariffs would give you freedom of movement. In the first three years, the Government of the People’s Trust would have to put major investments into industry and agriculture. However, once they start producing, economic growth would give a most reliable revenue source for the budget. This would allow for large-scale social programmes.
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1 June:International Day of Protecting Children
Unknown Artist
1970s
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Social and National-Cultural Policy
If I take office as President of Russia, I’d guarantee a unified social policy and access to culture throughout the country. The key task of the government would be to facilitate comprehensive human development. High standards of social protection would obtain, regardless of the income level of regional and local budgets. Russia would be a country without a “backwoods”. The uniformity of social policies and the strengthening of the concord between nationalities would ensure the integrity of the state. We’d strongly suppress any manifestation of Russophobia and any attempt to incite ethnic hatred.
1. A Just Society to Replace the “Social Jungle”
We’d adopt a new labour code, and defend the rights of employees, guaranteeing workers decent pay and working conditions, adequate leisure and recreational facilities, to improve their educational and cultural level. During our first year, we’d review all the anti-people laws imposed by the United Russia Party. Amongst the first, we note Federal Law 83 on the commercialisation of social services. Our new legislation would expand the network of social institutions, strengthen the protection of mothers and their children, and introduce additional measures to support the elderly and the disabled. We’d give special status to “war orphans”. By the end of 2013, the average pension in Russia will increase twofold, whilst those on the minimum schedule would receive a threefold increase.
Each one of us should have decent housing. Low-income families would get it free. Others could procure a real estate loan at a rate of no more than 5 percent per annum. We need a large-scale resettlement programme for those in old and dilapidated housing stock. The government would actively support large-scale building, allocating building plots free of charge. A new housing code will return infrastructure and public utilities in the state, under oblast or municipal management. Authorities would be responsible for repair of communications, roofs, basements, and porches of apartment buildings. Cheap heat and electricity would come to every home. Your payment for housing and communal services wouldn’t exceed 10 percent of family income.
2. Children and Young People Receive Support from the State
We’d guarantee young people a free education, work in their specialty, and provide free housing for their families. In two years, we’d end the deficit of places in day-care centres. For large families, we’d start an extended system of benefits, and we’d significantly expand children’s health programs and holiday opportunities. The state would actively support gifted children, young inventors, scientists, and authors of promising projects. We’d open new sports clubs, art clubs and studios, and tourist centres. We’d give every possible assistance to youth and children’s organisations.
3. High-Quality Education Available To All
We will return to the people the greatest achievement of the Soviet era… universal free education. Public expenditure on it would grow from 4 percent to 8-10 percent of GDP. Teachers and professors would receive adequate salaries, and heightened social status. Students would have hot meals. Student grants would increase, the number of recipients would expand. After 1 September 2012, expenditures for these purposes would double, after which the size of grants would be indexed annually.
4. Strengthening the National Healthcare System
You’d receive high-quality medical care free of charge. Private clinics would only be an adjunct to the public healthcare system. We’d provide comprehensive preventative care, access to spa treatments, and large-scale promotion of healthy lifestyles. No later than 2014, the average wage in healthcare would exceed the national average. The lump sum one-time childbirth allowance on the newborn would be 50,000 roubles on 1 January 2013. The monthly child allowance would approximate the actual cost of living. By 2015, we’d restore the full service of maternal and child health, antenatal care, and delivery care.
5. Authorities would Provide for Cultural Progress and the Spiritual Unity of the Country
The State would protect the spiritual values and national traditions of all the peoples of Russia. By the end of 2012, we’d enact a law “On culture”. Within three years, we’d double spending in this area. We’d stand for the preservation of cultural monuments. We’d firmly defend our history from the encroachments of those who denigrate the achievements of previous generations. We’d increase the intellectual and spiritual level of national television. You’d be free from intrusive commercials. There’d be a large-scale programme for the protection of the language and culture of not only the Russian people, but of all the peoples of Russia. Creative unions will have ample opportunities for activity.
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THIS is what Church/State relations would be under Gennady Andreyevich and Kirill Mikhailovich… don’t listen to rightwing clerical liars who work for the Voice of America (a position forbidden to clerics by the canons, by the way)…
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Give Us a Chance for the Next Six Years
I’m convinced that the next six years of the presidency is a serious time. During this period, you can change things for the better, to lay the foundations for the accelerated development of Russia. My real commitment to you is in the ideas deployed in detail in the election and long-term programmes of the KPRF. My team is confident in their abilities. Once in power, we’d cleanse the electoral system from information terror, the omnipotence of dirty money, and arrogance. The will of the citizens would be free from the pressure of government officials. We’re committed to a fair political fight, ready for open and equal discussion. After my election as President, the state apparatus would be much smaller, but more efficient. We’d lead a relentless fight against corruption, with comprehensive development of various forms of popular self-government and control over the work of officials. I’d actively support civic initiatives and activities of public associations. You’d receive the right to recall Gosduma deputies and any other official at any level for violation of election promises. We’d provide for turnover in the ranks of the authorities and protect human rights.
I’m convinced that the people’s will would win a majority, to establish a just power. We can and must live in a country that prides itself on its achievements and looks to the future with confidence!
Gennady Zyuganov
KPRF Candidate for President of the Russian Federation
16 January 2012
KPRF Official Website
http://kprf.ru/rus_soc/101373.html
Voices from Russia 
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