Status: 13.12.2023, 21:27 PM
By: Daniel Dillmann
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At the end of the year, President Putin traditionally answers questions from the population at a press conference. But this time it's going to be different.
- "Direct line" to the president: Vladimir Putin answers the questions of the population
- Appearance on state TV: Popular TV show in Russia returns with new format
- All the news about Vladimir Putin's big press conference in the news ticker.
Moscow – Vladimir Putin meets selected Russian citizens on state TV. A format with tradition that Russia's president hosted in Moscow at the end of the year. But with the start of the Ukraine war, the propaganda show was suspended. Now it is taking place again for the first time: the Putin show "Direct Line".
The name will remain the same as the last broadcast on June 30, 2021. But the format has been changed. In the past, there had been an annual press conference in front of media representatives and a television consultation hour with hand-picked Russians, but in 2023 both events will be merged into one. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov announced the new format at the beginning of November.
Russian President Vladimir Putin is bringing the "direct line" back to Russia's state TV in 2023. (Archive photo) © Mikhail Klimentyev/dpa
Q&A session with Putin on Russia's state TV
In addition to the citizens present, according to Russian media, all residents of Russia can take part in the Q&A session with Vladimir Putin. A hotline will be provided, and questions to the head of state will be able to be submitted by SMS or social networks.
Even if Putin skipped the show – probably to avoid awkward questions about the Ukraine war – the "direct line" has long been routine for Russia's president. This year, the Q&A session celebrates its 20th anniversary. But it is not clear how long Putin will listen to the complaints of his people. The last edition of the show lasted more than three and a half hours. The Kremlin chief had to face questions about health care in Russia, social benefits and also the Ukraine war.
Vladimir Putin – About the person
| Name | Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin |
| Age | 71 years (born October 7, 1952) |
| Office | President of the Russian Federation (de facto since 1999) |
| Spouse | Lyudmila Shkrebneva (1983-2013) |
| Children | Maria Vorontsova, Katerina Tikhonova |
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Putin's appearance at the Hot Wire: With or without journalists?
It is not known whether questions from journalists will be allowed at all, nor whether the Kremlin will allow foreign media to participate. The Putin show in Moscow will be hosted by Ekaterina Berezovskaya and Pavel Zarubin. Both the 33-year-old star presenter from the state broadcaster One Russia and her 42-year-old colleague are considered loyal supporters of Putin. Both had already hosted the show "Direct Wire" in the past.
Putin's appearance as the concerned father of Russia comes at the perfect time for the president. In the Ukraine war, Russia's troops have brought Kyiv's counteroffensive to a standstill and are on the verge of capturing Avdiivka. In addition, Putin recently announced that he will run for the fifth time in the Russian elections on March 17. It is considered a foregone conclusion that he will win the election. Russia's state TV is doing everything it takes. For weeks, broadcasters have been showing declarations of loyalty from politicians, civil servants, officials and citizens who want to re-elect Putin.
Putin plans to be re-elected – Girkin is on trial
In any case, Russia's president hardly has any opponents anymore. There has been no trace of the imprisoned opposition politician Alexei Navalny for days. Igor Girkin will also have to answer in court. The military blogger and ultranationalist had criticized Putin and announced his intention to run against him in the 2024 elections. His trial starts on the same day that Russia's president is celebrated in the "direct line". (dil/dpa)