What do you view as the main task of your presidency?

"Modern Russia has every opportunity to become a healthy, successful nation. In principle, our main desire is not to miss this, our, opportunity.”

(January 2008)

What domestic challenges await you?

"If we ensure both economic might and a healthy political system, Russia will play an increasingly active role in the world." (December 2007)

"What is so dear for us today? Stability, improvement of the quality of life and the hope for durable and steady development in education, health care and housing construction."

(December 2007)

How has Russia’s role in the world changed over the last two decades?

"The attitude toward Russia in the world is different now. We are not being lectured like schoolchildren — we are respected and we are deferred to."

(December 2007)

How will you enhance Russia’s newfound influence?

"The role for Russia in the international community is defined by the economic power and political health of Russia. If we have this combination of economic power and political health, Russia will play an active role."

(December 2007)

What goals will shape your foreign policy?

"Today, a modern and prosperous nation can exist only with and within the free flow of information." (January 2008)

"This may seem obvious, but Russia's role in the international community depends on its economic might and a healthy political system. If we ensure both elements, Russia will play an increasingly active role in the world."

(December 2007)

How do you characterize Russian-European relations?

"Russia is part of Europe and European civilization. This does not mean that we should forget about other partners. Russia must look in all directions."

(December 2007)

Can Russia prosper without freedom?

"We are well aware that no non-democratic state has ever become truly prosperous for one reason: Freedom is better than non-freedom."

(December 2007)

But is unfettered capitalism always the best option?

"I don't think that state corporations are more efficient than private corporations. On the contrary, I hold the opposite point of view. But there are certain sectors of the economy where state-owned companies are essential, especially for Russia."

(July 2007)

Why has democracy had difficulty gaining a foothold in Russia?

"What is so dear for us today? Stability, quality of life, steady development in education, health care and housing construction." (December 2007)

"The basic values of humanity were first formulated a long time ago, but applying them to the specificities of Russia's situation has sometimes been a problem. And the main issue is how to ensure that our national tradition reconciles with a fundamental set of democratic values. This is a challenge that Russia's political and intellectual elite have struggled with for 150 years."

(January 2008)

Do you feel Russia has successfully met this challenge?

"I believe what we have in Russia is real democracy."

(December 2007)

Have you always felt that Russia is mature enough for full-fledged democracy?

"If we do not manage to consolidate the elites, Russia may disappear as one state. The breakup of the Soviet Union will look like child's play compared to a government collapse in modern Russia."

(April 2005)

Do you value the role of a free and independent press?

"The main issue is how to ensure that our national tradition reconciles with a fundamental set of democratic values." (January 2008)

"Today, a modern and prosperous nation can exist only with and within the free flow of information. A powerful and independent media, both federal and regional — where there are a lot of problems — print and electronic, and so-called new media are an integral part of this."

(January 2008)

What is one of the most pressing problems facing Russia?

"We need to understand clearly: If we want to become a civilized state, first of all we need to become a lawful one."

(January 2008)

Is this a daunting challenge?

"Modern Russia has every opportunity to become a healthy, successful nation. Our main desire is not to miss this opportunity." (January 2008)

"Without exaggeration, Russia is a country of legal nihilism. Unfortunately (and I have to conclude this as a man who has long been engaged in law), no other European country can 'boast' of such a degree of disregard for the law. And this phenomenon goes back to the dawn of time in Russia.”

(January 2008)

How do you view the 1990s?

"In the 1990s, our country lived through a period of being on razor-edge, walking a tightrope. We went through great trials, committed many mistakes — but did not destroy our country."

(January 2008)

And finally, what major change has occurred in Russia since communism’s collapse?

"We do not live in debt any more, but according to our means."

(December 2007)