For the first time since 2009, Vladimir Putin spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos, which is held in online format this year. In his speech, he emphasized the topic of poverty and social crisis, and also warned that in conditions of tension due to the pandemic of coronavirus there is a “risk of breakdown” and “war of all against all”. Here is a brief retelling of his performance.

About poverty

Over the past 40 years, developed countries have received the main benefit from economic growth. The problem of stratification of society in developed countries is even more serious than in developing ones. Revenues from transnational companies go 1% of the world population. At the same time, millions of people even in rich countries ceased to see the prospect of income growth. Pandemia showed that incentives for the economy due to traditional tools are impossible, their resource is almost exhausted. The gap between the real and virtual economy poses a threat and is fraught with serious, unpredictable shocks. The world cannot follow the path of building an economy working for a million people or even a gold billion.

About rallies in the USA

Economic problems crack society, give rise to social, racial, national intolerance. Such tension breaks out even in countries with established civilian and democratic institutions. Another fundamental point: digital giants began to play an increasing role in society. This is a lot about this, especially in relation to events in the USA. In some areas, digital giants de facto compete with the state. Their audience is calculated by billions of users. How much such a monopolism corresponds to public interests? Where is the line between successful global business and attempts rudely, at your discretion to manage society? Replace legitimate institutions, essentially usurp or limit human rights, decide how to live, what to choose, what position to express freely. I am sure that the overwhelming number of people shares this position.

About coronavirus

It is necessary to combine the efforts of the whole world to increase the availability of vaccines from coronavirus. It is necessary to help countries in need of support, especially African. To increase there the volume of testing and vaccination. Mass vaccination is available primarily to citizens of developed countries. In practice, such inequality can mean a common threat, the epidemic will be delayed, there are no boundaries for it. It is necessary to increase the monitoring system of such situations.

What Putin was talking about in Davos