Forum in Yaroslavl - good option to discuss state problems

The  Russian city of Yaroslavl on the Volga is scheduled to host the Global Policy Forum on 9-10 September to focus on measures aimed at boosting international security. According to political analyst Iosif Diskin the forum will also provide a unique opportunity to discuss the role of the state in the national economy and national policy,

In his interview with the "Voice of Russia" Iosif Diskin, who chairs the Russian Public Chamber's commission on civil issues,  stressed that for the moment Yaroslavl is the only political venue where the role of the state can be discussed. In this respect the Yaroslval forum is as important as the economic forum in Davos, he said.

There are several other forums but before Yaroslavl we did not have a political one where the problems of the state could be discussed. It is not a coincidence that Russia took the initiative to hold this forum. Why? Because the crisis showed that the state is returning as a key player in the national economy, and national policy. 

Diskin underscored the role of the modern state in the modernization of the economy. Of course you can't speak about the state's role in the economy ignoring the role of business.  While the Russian businessmen are now asking themselves if they have chances to take part in the innovation process, their foreign colleagues are wondering if they can make a profit in Russia. The state should act as a good conductor of this polyphonic orchestra, Diskin says.

This implies a wide discussion because everyone wants to know how the Russian state is going to act in the situation when the modernization has already begun.

The political analysts also touched upon the problem of corruption in Russia. In the current situation it is impossible to put an end to corruption but the state has to keep corruption under control and to ensure a strong anti-corruption policy, Diskin says.