Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, who heads the ruling United Russia party, is not completely satisfied with its performance but believes it plays consolidating role in society.
During a stop on a 2,000-kilometer drive through four Far Eastern regions that Putin said would allow him to see the country with his own eyes, the prime minister was asked by journalists whether he was satisfied with United Russia and its cumbersome administrative machinery. "No, I can't say this," Putin replied.
"With all the [party's] drawbacks, which, I emphasize, are numerous, it is a consolidating factor in society and, in virtue of its capabilities, first of all in the parliament, it gives us the tools to implement decisions rapidly, especially in acute crisis situations," the prime minister said.
"On the whole, a person can't be constantly satisfied, and concerning public activities, it is a very sophisticated sphere - thousands people are involved in it," Putin said.
United Russia is the country's largest party with over 2,500 branches nationwide. The party dominates the State Duma, many regional legislatures, and claims many governors as members.
Putin said that some party members were in it for themselves rather than for the good of the country, but said the party's overall influence was positive.
"People who claim to have certain aims often do not try to achieve them in real life. There are lots of personal and, unfortunately, sometimes even vested interests. But on the whole, the United Russia party, as a party with nationwide significance, plays a vital positive role," Putin said.
If not for the party, "we could have also coped with the economic downturn, but with much more dramatic consequences," Putin said.
AMUR HIGHWAY (Khabarovsk territory), August 27 (RIA Novosti)
