Meeting with leaders of parliamentary groups
Vladimir Putin held a meeting with leaders of State Duma parliamentary groups.
September 18, 2025
17:30
Novo-Ogaryovo, Moscow Region
Taking part in the meeting were United Russia faction leader Vladimir Vasilyev, Communist Party faction leader Gennady Zyuganov, A Just Russia faction leader Sergei Mironov, New People faction leader Alexei Nechayev, Liberal Democratic Party faction leader Leonid Slutsky, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin, and First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Kiriyenko.
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President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Good afternoon, colleagues,
The State Duma opened its autumn session and held its first meeting on Tuesday.
Congratulations to you and all State Duma deputies. Also, congratulations on the recent election. All the parliamentary parties have reaffirmed their high status and demonstrated that they have the trust of their voters. This is crucial, as it ensures our political stability, which is of paramount importance in today's world.
Therefore, and I should have opened with this, thank you to all Russian voters who came to polling stations even in the regions where it was challenging and dangerous. People showed up and reaffirmed that the Russian political system is stable.
We know of too many cases where a country living in conditions similar to ours fails to uphold its constitutional order and political stability. We have managed to maintain that, and it is very important.
There will be many discussion points during the upcoming session, and I would like to cover them with you today. There are many priorities to address. One priority that we constantly return to is, of course, macroeconomic stability. It is a factor determining the other matters to which you continuously attach prime significance: fulfilling the state's commitments to our citizens, our social commitments. This includes large families, seniors and pensioners, as well as matters concerning enhancing and reinforcing Russia's defence capability and supporting our military personnel and their family members.
I know that war veterans, in particular, are joining your ranks. I am confident that they will make a positive contribution to the political parties both locally and centrally, in the State Duma and the federal government bodies. I have repeatedly said and I know that you support this approach, that we must seek out and promote people who have no fear when it comes to serving the Motherland and who are willing to risk their health and lives. Such people must be promoted to leading posts. They will be our successors. We should think about that. Thank you for nominating these people.
This is what I would like to say in the beginning. I think we can cover everything in an open discussion, especially since I will meet with each of you individually later, as we agreed with Mr Volodin.
Mr Volodin, please.
Chairman of the State Duma Vyacheslav Volodin: Mr President,
First, on behalf of my colleagues and State Duma deputies, I would like to express gratitude for your attention to the parliament, to our democracy, and the evolution of the political system. The challenges are indeed daunting, but despite them, the system demonstrates its effectiveness.
The political system not only reflects all threats and challenges but is also evolving on the basis of the multiparty system and the opportunities provided to us by the Constitution after it has been amended, when the State Duma obtained additional powers. It must be said that this largely defines today's responsible attitude towards carrying out our duties. If, in the past, there was more talk, now, together with the Government, we are participating in shaping decisions.
Speaking about the autumn session, you rightly emphasised that the key issue was the economic system and its macroeconomic parameters. And the key issue of the autumn session is the adoption of the federal budget, the main financial law. We have been working on it together with the Government since July. Deputies are engaged in the dialogue, and on our part it is, of course, extremely important to do everything - in line with your approach - to ensure the preservation of social commitments and guarantees for our citizens.
Despite differences of opinion (I think my colleagues will touch on this, too), we all consider it important that standards - which are already high, despite 30,000 sanctions and obstacles to development - continue to be raised by you: benefits are growing, new decisions are being made in this sphere to support large families, to help children, and, of course, without question, the participants in the special military operation. All these issues must be resolved in the process of reviewing and adopting the budget.
As of today, the State Duma's legislative portfolio includes 1,153 laws. Just in the past two days we adopted the first seven laws and reviewed 21 draft laws in the first and second readings. There is a great deal of work to be done, but this is an integral part of the authority and duty of the deputy corps. During the summer, we held meeting with voters. The parliamentary parties took part in election campaigns. Now, the deputies have gathered together in order to address these issues.
Among them, the key issue is the support for participants in the special military operation and their families, to ensure they lack nothing. A system has been created - just as you said: we are trying to carry this out meticulously and to do everything to make sure the participants in the special military operation have all their needs met. To date, 140 laws have been adopted, and the system has been formed.
Given the challenges we face and the changing situation, we have to amend existing laws and adopt new ones. At present, 26 draft laws are under consideration, and just yesterday one of them was passed. Advancing this work is among our key priorities for the autumn session.
The State Duma's agenda is shaped by our voters, and we discuss it collectively following our meetings. Within our specialised committees, we have placed particular emphasis on such issues as the protection of children's health, which we intend to prioritise for consideration and adoption. Another priority is the protection of citizens against fraud: as technology develops, we must strengthen measures to protect people from various forms of illegal activity, especially schemes that target the elderly through modern technologies. We are also addressing matters related to rural development, which we believe should be a priority, too, as well as demographic issues. All these are central topics on our agenda.
And the issue that passes from one session to another - illegal migration control: we monitor it and on our part work to amend legislation. All of this will form the foundation of the State Duma's work during the autumn session.
We also consider it important to pay more attention to improving the efficiency of the budget funds and raising labour productivity. This will have a positive effect on both the national budget and the economy. We intend to carry out this work together with our colleagues in the Government until the end of the autumn session.
I would like to once again express my gratitude for the opportunity to promptly discuss these issues. This does not only help us in our work but also enables us to achieve the results needed to meet the goals you set out in your Address to the Federal Assembly. The State Duma has fully implemented the legislative measures outlined in your Address, and we have adopted all the necessary laws.
Vladimir Putin: Thank you.
Mr Volodin initiated today's meeting. Was it the day before yesterday that you raised the matter of holding it?
Vyacheslav Volodin: We discussed it on Monday and Tuesday. On Monday, when we spoke, you asked to convey your congratulations and a message to the deputies for the work during the autumn session. After that, my colleagues and I exchanged messages, and they requested such a meeting. Practically the very next day, on Tuesday, you took the decision to hold it.
Vladimir Putin: I tried not to delay the matter and adjusted the schedule as much as possible. I believe you were right: we need to compare our positions at the very start of the autumn session.
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Excerpts from the transcript of a meeting with the leaders of the State Duma parliamentary parties
Vladimir Putin (commenting on the speech by the leader of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation, Gennady Zyuganov): Let me briefly respond to a few points that you made.
Regarding our younger generation, you said "Their minds have been corrupted by Soros' textbooks." Indeed, there was such a problem. I think things are straightening out. Despite everything, despite these textbooks - I agree that their negative impact is obvious - we still have a high level of family, society, and state defences, and our youth demonstrate patriotism and willingness to defend our Motherland, and, if needed, to stand up for our traditional values. I think we can be happy with that.
But, of course, this needs constant attention from society, media, and, of course, the political parties. You are doing a lot in this regard. I am aware that the CPRF is doing a great deal of work with the young people.
One can have all sorts of ideas about ideology, but I absolutely want to thank you for instilling patriotism [in the young people]. That is obvious. As for the nuances of ideology…
With regard to the decline from over four percent of GDP growth, this is not a decline, but a planned move. This is about slowing down growth in exchange for suppressing inflation and maintaining macroeconomic stability. But you have rightly pointed out that we need to know the cut-off line beyond which we will hit a cooling point, possibly even a recession.
I think we are still a long way from a recession, and the labour market is clearly telling us so. We are still at historically low unemployment levels - just over two percent - and unemployment is a key indicator of the state of the economy and an indicator showing whether we are in a recession, or not. The labour market is telling us otherwise.
Nevertheless, these are very serious issues.
I am convinced that during the discussion at the State Duma, when deciding on the country's main financial document, the Budget Law, representatives of all parliamentary parties will discuss this at length.
You are absolutely correct, and with regard to aviation, it is evident that no one will simply hand us anything. We have traditionally maintained a robust, high-level development of combat aircraft, and this continues to be the case. We have preserved, restored, and made significant advancements. Presently, despite the fact that we ourselves require combat aircraft amidst the special military operation, I do not believe our aviation industry enterprises are overstretched. We not only fully meet the needs of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation today but also supply the necessary equipment for export. This equipment is in tremendous demand. Furthermore, it represents the most advanced, effective equipment, having been battle-tested during the special military operation.
I would like to highlight - and I have mentioned this previously - that we have not witnessed such success in aircraft engine manufacturing for quite some time. We developed the PD-14. Nothing had been achieved since Soviet times, and I cannot even recall the year of the last engine - I believe it was the late 1980s. We have created a new engine, an excellent one, not merely meeting global standards but surpassing them.
We must now continue progressing in this direction. Only four countries manufacture such engines - four countries, including Russia. This is undoubtedly one of our competitive advantages in the real sector of the economy. However, we need an engine for wide-body, long-haul aircraft - the PD-35. An interim variant will be the PD-26. Work is proceeding most vigorously.
Naturally, we should have resolved all issues concerning local and regional aviation long ago. For a country like ours, with vast territories, it is utterly unacceptable to fly from one region to a neighbouring region via Moscow - and unfortunately, this still happens. However, I hope, as the relevant specialists assure us - indeed, I am confident - that within about a year and a half, everything will enter series production, and we will fly on our own aircraft.
As for restoring Volgograd's name as Stalingrad - this requires consideration. The local residents must decide, but generally, everything connected with the Great Patriotic War and Stalin's role in the Victory must be taken into account, and efforts made to depoliticise it. There were many problems associated with repressions - this is obvious, and it must not be whitewashed; the country must not forget this. However, it would be equally unjust to forget the role this individual played in the Soviet people's Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
How to achieve this is another matter. However, restoring the name Stalingrad to the city of Volgograd today is, first and foremost, an issue that should be decided at the regional level.
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Vladimir Putin (commenting on the speech of LDPR faction leader Leonid Slutsky): You have raised a number of very important and undoubtedly relevant issues.
As for human resources in healthcare, how should this problem be resolved? Should mandatory work placements be introduced after university graduation, or not? And what should our general approach to placements be? There is a great deal of debate here, but overall, this is certainly one possible solution.
As for ensuring equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of where they live, this is a goal we should all pursue. Perhaps the first priority here is a wage reform in the social sector. This, however, is a highly complex matter, and the key is not to make mistakes - neither to be late, nor to act prematurely. I very much hope that the State Duma deputies will approach this in a very professional manner.
Turning to migration - indeed, many decisions have already been made, and we must ensure their proper implementation. This is a very sensitive area for citizens, and the authorities, both at federal and regional level, must not pretend the problem does not exist. These issues are real and must be addressed. Yet they cannot be resolved unless we keep them under constant control. Further adjustment of the decisions already made is essential, and I would welcome any constructive proposals you may have.
Housing and utilities are, without question, another crucial area. The social wellbeing of all Russian families, all people, depends on it. We should think whether separate agencies should be created. At present, the Ministry of Construction is conducting this work. If you believe that a specialised body is required, we can look at that. But, of course, we must avoid creating unnecessary red tape: another ministry, another set of vehicles, secretaries, assistants. We need to think this through. But overall, this area is indeed of critical importance.
(The President also supported Leonid Slutsky's proposal to establish Combat Veteran Day.)
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Vladimir Putin (commenting on the remarks by Sergei Mironov, leader of the A Just Russia - For Truth faction): Allow me to highlight certain points I wish to emphasise. Everyone knows my attitude towards those fighting on the frontline, risking their lives - and unfortunately, at times sacrificing them - as well as their families and those returning from the combat zone. Naturally, we must support them. From their ranks, we should form a personnel reserve. That is clear.
But what specifically draws my attention now? You suggested establishing some form of quota for participants of the special military operation entering positions of authority. An appealing notion. It would be akin to gender quotas in some countries - stipulating that parliament must include a certain number of women, or quotas for other groups, including persons with disabilities. It appears noble, with sound motivation. My sole concern is that this must not devolve into mere formalism. We must recruit individuals into government based not on gender, profession, or any other such criterion, but on personal and professional merits. Naturally, one fundamental aspect - devotion to the Motherland, readiness to lay down one's life for it - is already present.
When I meet participants of our Time of Heroes platform, or other combat veterans, we speak candidly, and they are equally frank. I have asked some directly: "Would you consider entering government?" Their responses vary: "You know, it's not for me - I see myself pursuing creative work," or one even said, "I want to apply to theatre school." These are talented, remarkably talented individuals. Others wish to dedicate themselves to technical innovation. "I don't see myself in government," they say.
With over 700,000 personnel deployed along the line of contact, we should select from among those individuals. Our task is to identify those genuinely inclined towards such work. I am not dismissing quotas outright, but this requires careful deliberation - there are questions to ponder.
Regarding land allocations for special military operation participants: yes, I agree. In fact, such measures are already being implemented in some of our new historical territories. But broadly speaking, you are absolutely right - I would support and expand this practice.
Now, on quarterly adjustments of social benefits. Ideally, this would be desirable, but it warrants consideration. There is an alternative approach. You raised this amid concerns over high inflation. Yet another solution exists - suppressing inflation to eliminate the problem altogether.
In this context, I draw your attention to your immediate legislative priorities, particularly the budget law. This is critically important. Temptations abound: print money, distribute it. But the outcome? Inflation. While striving to assist vulnerable groups - who unquestionably merit our attention and support - we must adopt measures that address systemic issues fundamentally. Targeted subsidies and support remain necessary, of course. Through discussions with the Government, you will doubtless determine the optimal path.
Without a doubt, housing is a matter of key importance. Deputy Prime Minister Khusnullin, with whom I am in constant contact, recently reported on it again. Overall, we will have a good result this year of over 100 million square metres, which is a very good result. This is largely thanks to groundwork laid in previous years, but nonetheless, we are trying to create the right conditions for developers and investors so that construction continues at a steady pace in the years ahead.
What is the main issue here? Yes, of course, the key interest rate and the level of mortgage lending. The mortgage rate is high, but we are keeping the benefits unchanged. So, the issue is about keeping these subsidised programmes for certain regions, the Far East and the Arctic, where the family mortgage programme remains in place. This is also a matter of inflation, nothing more. Ideally, we would like to keep the subsidised rates available as widely as possible. That would simply mean allocating much more money from the budget than now, that is all. We need to strive to curb the inflation and to bring all banking system rates, including those of the commercial banks and mortgages, into proper alignment.
Nevertheless, for certain categories of citizens and in certain regions, subsidised mortgage rates must remain unchanged, that is absolutely clear. Please pay attention to this during budget debates.
Rental housing. You are absolutely right. This is already being done, but we need to expand it. I fully share your understanding and you have my support in this regard.
With regard to the manufacturing industry, you pointed out that, sometimes, decisions amount to subsidising foreign manufacturers. We must, of course, do everything possible to cut this down, but do so carefully. We should not be subsidising them, that is clear, but we cannot shut down the market to products that are critically important for our industry. This issue must be handled with great care. Subsidising foreign manufacturers is certainly out of question, especially so since Western countries are heavily subsidising their own producers.
With regard to other fiscal matters, such as taxation of dividends, luxury tax, and so on, things look quite reasonable. In some other countries, as I have mentioned this earlier, in the United States during the Vietnam War or the Korean War - I am speaking out of politics now - they did exactly the same thing. They raised taxes specifically for high-income groups of taxpayers. In fact, we are doing the same. The important thing is not to overdo it and to proceed with caution.
But overall, when people see that their funds are earmarked towards a specific noble cause, they have no objections. Our people are very patriotic and are not greedy. It is important for them to see that the money is used towards a specific noble goal, like I said. That is worth considering.
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Vladimir Putin (commenting on the remarks by the New People faction leader Alexei Nechayev): I am thankful to you for the appraisal of the electronic voting significance and quality. Mr Kiriyenko knows how many debates we had: possible, impossible, better, worse. In general, this electronic voting proved itself, it is unbiased to the utmost and gives people the opportunity to speak up. There were some apprehensions, let's say, within the ruling party mentioned here about whether electronic voting - impersonal and free - would be a good thing for it. Yet, it actually turned out to be good for all.
We have already discussed the involvement of the special military operation veterans in the political work. Why not, of course, if the veterans work in the Interior Ministry system, including in the migration policy domain. I will certainly speak to the Minister.
As for bypassing the increased duties on goods from the so called unfriendly states - we need to do it. I will not repeat your proposal now but it should be done exactly that way, we have to sort it out. I fully agree, we will work on this. Thank you.
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Vladimir Putin: I would like to thank you and all the United Russia party deputies. In fact, I would like to thank everyone, all the deputies working in the State Duma. They are a true support for the Government, the pillar of the current system; it is clear that they form the foundation upon which the Government adopts key decisions.
We have not talked about this today, but I would nevertheless like to note that we are fulfilling all our obligations, despite the special military operation and increasing expenditures - that is also a clear fact. Defence spending is not simply an expense or a waste; rather, our defence industry and our Armed Forces have undergone a qualitative transformation. Of course, this requires significant resources. These are undoubtedly not wasted funds, but the costs are real, and they have grown.
Nevertheless, we are honouring all our social obligations. Naturally, all parliamentary factions support this; indeed, everyone stands behind these commitments. Thanks to the decisions made by the deputies, we are able to make balanced choices that allow us to move forward, ensuring that social commitments are fulfilled, even as defence spending rises. This is of great importance.
In this regard, I would like to remind you that we have not discussed national projects or national development goals. These are universally acknowledged as priorities, as objectives we must strive for and achieve. Of course, in determining next year's budget, I would ask you to keep this firmly in mind. We are meeting national development goals, implementing national projects, ensuring social spending, promoting infrastructure development, strengthening defence capabilities, and supporting the real sectors of the economy linked to the defence industry.
However, let me conclude this open section with an appeal to everyone. Whatever decisions the State Duma makes, and whatever the sphere in which laws are passed, I ask you always to consider how they will affect families with children. These are entirely different areas of activity, but they all are interlinked in one way or another, and ultimately influence people's lives. Whatever the issue, whatever the decision, please keep in mind its impact on families with children and the consequences for them. Because resolving this key challenge, beyond achieving victory in the special military operation, is crucial. That challenge is demographics. This is the point on which I wish to close this session.
Once again, I thank you and your factions for supporting all these decisions and for working together in preparing them in the current situation.
Thank you very much.
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