Putin addresses thousands of supporters
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E-mail Xinhua, February 24, 2012
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin spoke to tens of thousands of supporters Thursday during a massive rally to show solidarity with the presidential candidate.
![Supporters of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin gather for a massive rally to show solidarity with the presidential candidate in downtown Moscow, Russia, Feb. 23, 2012.[Xinhua]](http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20120224/000cf1bdd03f10b17a7c49.jpg "Supporters of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin gather for a massive rally to show solidarity with the presidential candidate in downtown Moscow, Russia, Feb. 23, 2012.[Xinhua]") |
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Supporters of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin gather for a massive rally to show solidarity with the presidential candidate in downtown Moscow, Russia, Feb. 23, 2012.[Xinhua] |
Local media reported about 130,000 people joined the four-hour-long peaceful demonstration at the Luzhiniki Stadium along the banks of the Moscow River.
A smiling Putin addressed the crowd with the impassioned words of love for Russia.
"We are ready to work for Russia, to defend it from any outside interference. Our genetic code is victorious, our people are victors," Putin told his supporters.
Because it was Russia's annual Defenders of the Fatherland Day, a militaristic celebration that started in Soviet times, Putin noted that people who came to the rally "are the real defenders of our fatherland."
The presidential candidate admitted Russia still faces many problems, such as injustice, inequality, graft and poverty, but promised to "defeat injustice and corruption," to which the crowd answered with massive "Russia!" chants.
"I dream of every person in our country living according to the rules, and in line with his or her conscience so that everyone would be happy and have hope. But the main thing is that we all have been together," Putin said.
"I can't hug you all and shake everyone's hands but I thank you for your moral support," he said.
The supporters unfolded a giant Russian flag after Putin finished his three-minute speech.
The rally was organized by Putin's election staff and his All-Russia People's Front Movement. Members of Putin's United Russia party also took part in the rally.
The participants started the rally by marching along the Moscow River embankment to the stadium, carrying flags and banners.
"I want stability to continue, and that is what we have now. Of course Russia has lots of problems but Putin has built a foundation for the future. I don't want a return of the 1990s," said a supporter who identified himself as Sergei Andreyev.
"To govern such a large country you need experience and other candidates just don't have that," he said.
Another supporter who refused to give his name told Xinhua that he believed Putin was the man for the job because "he offers us education and improved our lives."
The rally also drew members of opposition political groups, who attempted to hand out materials criticizing Putin and white ribbons -- a symbol of opposition movements in Russia.
Moscow City Hall said about 10,000 police officers were deployed for the rally.
Putin is widely expected to beat the other four candidates to win the presidential election set for March 4. He enjoys a support rate of over 50 percent in the latest polls.
