Putin Intelligencer 2009 January 6

Culture & Socialist Economy
Putin has announced he will personally oversee initiatives to develop Russia’s domestic film industry (Holdsworth).

Economic Bailout
Putin has promised government aid to 1,500 companies effected by the economic downturn (Putin says 1,500 firms to get aid).

Presidency
Legislation that would extend the Russian presidential term has taken another step toward approval. Speculation continues that this could open the door for Putin to return to the presidency, possibly for 12 years (Levy).

Sources
Holdsworth, N. (2008 Dec. 15). Putin takes charge of local film industry. Variety. http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117997388.html?categoryId=19&cs=1, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.

Levy, C. (2008 Dec. 22). Is Putin getting an opening to return as president? International Herald-Tribune. http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/12/22/europe/russia.php, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.

Putin says 1,500 firms to get aid. (2008 Dec. 16). Moscow Times. http://www.themoscowtimes.com/article/1009/42/373182.htm, accessed 2009 Jan. 6.