Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin won in the country’s presidential election held on March 4.
“We have won!” Putin claimed with tears in his eyes.” We won thanks to the support from the vast majority of our voters.”
The PM said it was “a pure victory,” which was gained in an “open and honest battle,” and called on all Russians to unite around the interests of the people and the country.
Putin got 63.97 percent of the vote, well ahead of his nearest rival, the Communist Party leader Gennady Zyuganov, who got 17.18 percent. The results were based on a count of the vote from 98.47 percent of polling stations across the country.
Putin’s results were even stronger than predicted by opinion polls, even if they were down slightly on the ratings of over 70 percent that he won in the 2004 presidential elections.
Putin’s opponents refused to recognize the results and said they would stage the biggest protests since Putin rose to power 12 years ago. Protests have been staged in Moscow and other big Russian cities since a disputed parliamentary poll last December.
Despite the opposition, support remains strong for Putin, who is praised by many Russians for rebuilding the country’s image and overseeing an economic boom in his first presidency.
The Russian strongman is now set for an inauguration expected in May to formally regain the Kremlin post. He served two terms as the country’s president from 2000 to 2008, before becoming prime minister under the presidency of Medvedev.
Before this election, Putin had promised an innovation-oriented economy that benefits Russian people and political reforms. He also called for modernization of the country’s military forces.
Economists say a key test of Putin’s return will be how far he is ready to go to reform an economy heavily dependent on energy exports.
“It’s a watershed—Russia faces decline and stagnation unless they really kick-start reforms and push forward an ambitious reform agenda,” said Tim Ash, head of emerging markets research at Royal Bank of Scotland in London.
64. Which of the statements is NOT TRUE according to the passage?
A. Gennady Zyuganov got the fewest votes in the latest election.
B. Putin has got more votes than expected in this election.
C. A smaller percentage of the voters support Putin in the election this year.
D. Economy developed rapidly in Putin’s first presidency.
65. It can be inferred according to the passage that ____________________.
A. Russia sells large quantities of oil, gas, coal,etc to other countries
B. Putin used to be the country’s president from 2000 to 2008
C. Medvedev will definitely be the new Prime Minister
D. The current economic situation in Russia is quite hopeful
66. What is the best title of the passage?
A. Friendship between Putin and Medvedev
B. Putin Wins back Presidency
C. Putin is Strongly Opposed
D. Putin Resigns the Kremlin post