Vladimir Putin talks publicly for the first time after Christmas

Vladimir Putin came forth and commented publicly for the first time since 80,000 people appeared on Christmas Eve in order to demand a rerun of the parliamentary elections that took place on December 4th. The Russian Prime Minister attacked his opponents for what he called aimlessness.

"The elections are over. The parliament has started its work and a speaker elected. The State Duma is working ... There can be no talk of any review," Putin said.

Russia had witnessed the largest anti-government protests that have taken place since the 1990s. As a result Putin’s plans to return to the Kremlin after a four year break are being overshadowed. The Prime Minister said he wanted an honest vote more than anyone else.

"I have difficulty imagining who from their ranks could do concrete work for the development of our state," he said.

The comment came after blogger Alexei Navalny, one of Putin’s strongest adversaries, stated he would form his own party and enter the elections.

"I am ready to fight to make sure that we get fair elections," Navalny told the editorially independent Echo of Moscow radio station that is owned by Gazprom. ”When we get a chance to take part in elections, I am ready to fight for leading positions, including in the presidential vote," he said.

Navalny agreed to enter politics only after the ministry of Justice started registering all parties. Liberal allies have threatened to "storm the Kremlin and the White House [seat of the Russian parliament]" if the authorities did not listen to the demands of the protesters.

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