Medvedev to make last state-of-the-nation address Dec. 22

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev will on Thursday deliver his last state-of-the-nation address to the Federal Assembly, ex-head of Kremlin administration Sergei Naryshkin said on Wednesday. In his speech Medvedev will focus on specific steps aimed at modernizing the national political system, Naryshkin went on. “President Dmitry Medvedev will set out a set of specific initiatives aimed at improving the political system.” “It’s the Duma’s task to thoroughly consider and discuss them and if they agree on these initiatives, to back them with laws.” Medvedev said over the weekend that Russia's political system had "exhausted itself" and should be changed. The details of those changes are expected to be spelled out in his address. His speech before the newly elected parliament will be closely watched for any possible government response to nationwide street protests that have drawn out tens of thousands of people since the allegedly fraud-tainted Dec. 4 parliamentary vote. Realizing the threat posed by the largest post-soviet show of popular discontent, the Russian president and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin have promised political reforms. Last week, Putin said he would support easing registration rules for political parties and the return of direct elections for governors, which he abolished years ago, although he did say he would personally 'filter' all candidates.