Presidency is a difficult job

16 candidates have declared their intention to run for the presidency in the RT. Mintimer Shaimiev commented upon his decision to take part in the 2001 presidential elections:

To rush for the post of the President can only some one who does not know, what a hard job it is, who does not know, what he is going to face, what duties and what responsibility will be imposed on him. I say this not to draw the line before the candidates, it would be good for them to test themselves and to pass through this post.

My decision is a result of long reflections, councils with my close people. For a long time I have not declared about my intentions, and last time I had to face a stream of requests from the people wishing, and sometimes demanding to stand on the post of President of Tatarstan. It is necessary to recognize that for the incumbent President support of the population is the main. On my native land - in Aktanysh region I have received blessing of compatriots, visited the tombs of father, mother, and brother. I also am grateful to initiative group, which on Saturday meeting unanimously has put forward my nominee. In this group all layers of a society are presented, and me in turn can tell them: in case of election I will not let you down.

Unfortunately, still there is no complete definiteness in Russian political and economic spheres. I hoped that by the end of the second term of my presidency there will be more clearness, Federation subjects would establish acceptable mutual relations with the centre. It has not taken place yet, though I should recognize, that new president of Russia very vigorously conducts the work on defining the priorities of development of the country, including internal and international politics, but we still are in heat of these uneasy processes.

I have accepted the decision, proceeding first of all from the responsibility for destiny of all our multinational Tatarstan, for well-being of its people. In varying conditions of Russian political and economic space it is necessary for Tatarstan to strengthen its positions. The point today goes not about destiny of one man, though he is incumbent President, but about higher values and problems of the greater importance.