Mintimer Shaimiev: Kazan is going through the crisis easier than other cities

Tatarstan President Mintimer Shaimiev had a meeting with Kazan activists on February 16. Tatarstan State Council Chairman Farid Mukhametshin, Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin, members of the RT Government, heads of the city executive committee and representatives of city enterprises took part in the meeting.

Before the meeting at the Pyramid Convention Centre, the gathering watched a film on major results of the Tatarstan capital's social and economic development in 2008.

In his welcome speech, Ilsur Metshin reminded that the elections to the RT State Council would take place on March 1, 2009. Active work with people is underway. They see those positive changes taking place and want to know what is going to be done next. "We are all aiming to work creatively," he said.

"Dear citizens of Kazan, the pre-election struggle is in full swing. There are 880 thousand voters in the city. Kazan has one advantage. If there are reasons for substantial criticism in many other cities, the capital of Tatarstan does not have them. It is our common achievement," Mintimer Shaimiev declared.

The President went on to say that people see what the capital had been like and what it became. What has been done in Kazan over 10 years is unparalleded not only in Tatarstan but all over Russia. We have to keep working together, test ourselves and go ahead. There is a lot to be done.