Menu
Latest
Menu
Latest
Commentary

Primakov warns against confusing neo-liberalism with genuine liberal values

14 January 2014

Russia's verteran statesman and former Prime Minister, Yevgeny Primakov has blamed neo-liberal ideas for the slow-down in the Russian economy in 2013, but warned against confusing neo-liberalism with truly liberal requirements. 

Speaking at the Mercury Club, of which he is President, Primakov said neoliberals insist on the government's earliest possible pullout from the economy, while this course of action may exert a highly deplorable impact on its condition, according to a report carried by the Russian News Agency ITAR-TASS. "Would it be justified to claim that market mechanisms can ensure economic growth in Russia on their own today?" Dr. Primakov said. "No, of course not." He indicated that only big corporations, including the government-run companies, have a sufficient investment potential for implementing large-scale projects necessary for Russia's development today. "Given the underdeveloped character of free competition here, there's but a slim hope that small and medium-sized business can take on the role of a drive engine of development," Dr. Primakov said.

Primakov said however that neo-liberalism should not be confused with "genuine liberal values and truly liberal requirements like independence of the judiciary, struggle with corruption, incorruptibility of civil servants, or a mandatory observance of law," Dr. Primakov said.

source: commonspace.eu with ITAR-TASS

photo: Yevgeny Primakov.

 

 

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged
Trending

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

9 June 2021
Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Turkiye to host COP31 in 2026
Trending

Turkiye to host COP31 in 2026

20 November 2025
A consensus has emerged during COP 30, currently being held in Belan, Brazil, that COP 31 will be held in the Turkish city of Antalya, in 2026. In 2026 Turkiye will host another global event, the NATO leaders summit. Turkiye is set to host COP31 after reaching compromise with Australia.  The COP31 climate meeting is now expected to be held in Turkey after Australia dropped its bid to host the annual event. Under the UN rules, the right to host the COP in 2026 falls to a group of countries made up of Western Europe, Australia and others. A consensus must be reached but neither country had been willing to concede. Australia has now agreed to support the Turkish bid in return for their minister chairing the talks following negotiations at COP30, currently being held in Brazil. This unusual arrangement has taken observers by surprise. It is normal for a COP president to be from the host country and how this new partnership will work in practice remains to be seen. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called the compromise with Turkey an "outstanding result" in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), noting Pacific issues would be "front and centre". He added that he had spoken to Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and Prime Minister Rabuka of Fiji. There will be relief among countries currently meeting at COP30 in the Brazilian city of Belém that a compromise has been reached as the lack of agreement on the venue was becoming an embarrassment for the UN.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Turkiye to host COP31 in 2026
Trending

Turkiye to host COP31 in 2026

20 November 2025
A consensus has emerged during COP 30, currently being held in Belan, Brazil, that COP 31 will be held in the Turkish city of Antalya, in 2026. In 2026 Turkiye will host another global event, the NATO leaders summit. Turkiye is set to host COP31 after reaching compromise with Australia.  The COP31 climate meeting is now expected to be held in Turkey after Australia dropped its bid to host the annual event. Under the UN rules, the right to host the COP in 2026 falls to a group of countries made up of Western Europe, Australia and others. A consensus must be reached but neither country had been willing to concede. Australia has now agreed to support the Turkish bid in return for their minister chairing the talks following negotiations at COP30, currently being held in Brazil. This unusual arrangement has taken observers by surprise. It is normal for a COP president to be from the host country and how this new partnership will work in practice remains to be seen. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called the compromise with Turkey an "outstanding result" in an interview with the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), noting Pacific issues would be "front and centre". He added that he had spoken to Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape and Prime Minister Rabuka of Fiji. There will be relief among countries currently meeting at COP30 in the Brazilian city of Belém that a compromise has been reached as the lack of agreement on the venue was becoming an embarrassment for the UN.