Live Updates: Mishustin Asks to Prepare All Documents to Implement Goals Outlined in Putin's Address

"Regarding the meeting between the deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council and the Russian prime minister, it will be held in the Russian Government House tomorrow", the Cabinet said.

"I think that an understanding [of the new government] will arise in the coming days, we consulted today with all parties", Mishustin said.

“Dear State Duma lawmakers, I want to once again thank the president of the Russian Federation, you for your support, for the fact that today we very seriously and thoroughly discussed all the areas of concern for you. I promise, I give my word here that I said: we will to keep in touch with the Duma and with factions and committees in order to verify our course and determine what we are doing", Mishustin said.

He vowed to report to the lower house in April about the new government's policies.

Mishustin noted that implementation of initiatives voiced by Putin will require approximately 4 trillion roubles ($650 million) over four years.

When asked by lawmakers where the government planned to take funds to implement the provisions Putin expressed during his address to parliament, Mishustin said 25 days were being given to consider amendments to the budget code.

“Today I held all consultations with [acting] Finance Minister Anton Siluanov”, he said.

"Today, enough reserves have been created … this is a very important factor for further development and to facilitate GDP growth, it is necessary to stimulate investment growth", Mishustin said, answering a question by a lawmaker regarding the budgetary concerns of the ambitious programmes.

"Under conditions of stabilising the state defence situation, it is especially important to improve, and normalise the financial situation of defence organisations, actively diversify defence industry enterprises and increase the output of civilian high-tech products", Mishustin said.

Mishustin has called for the effective use of the capabilities and resources provided by national projects to increase labour productivity, support exports, and develop small businesses, "in order to create modern, competitive enterprises in industry, agriculture, and other industries, whose products will be in demand in the domestic and the global market”.
"The funds allocated for national projects should work primarily in the Russian economy, go to the development of domestic high-tech industries", he stressed.

"If you back my candidacy, I will focus on the new composition of the Russian Federation's government close partnership with State Duma lawmakers, factions and the Federation Council. I want to assure you that all members of the government will be personally responsible for fulfilling national development goals", Mishustin noted.

He also expressed the belief that the government should always bear in mind its accountability before the people.

"Open and constructive criticism helps us work better", Mishustin added.

"At the same time, we need to immediately and efficiently prepare all legislative acts that are necessary, and on which work will be carried out", he said at a plenary meeting of Russia's State Duma.

He stated that the government should understand its accountability and welcome straightforward criticism.