Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin believes that the major achievements of the outgoing year are the prevention of a sharp unemployment growth and the salvation of the banking system. Putin has made a statement for reporters in Vladivostok after a working trip to the Far East on Tuesday.

“First of all, we averted a massive unemployment growth. It was observed, but it was not dramatic. Secondly, we succeeded to save the banking system,” the premier said. Putin recalled that “in 1998 all major banks quitted the market, and the money of depositors disappeared along with them.” “We did not allow this,” the premier noted.

Speaking on his personal feelings about the decisions taken the premier noted that he takes them calmly. “I got accustomed to function in the technological way, I am not having any excessive emotions over my activities,” he emphasized. “But what is more important that we succeeded to consolidate all levels of authorities, management, all for the struggle with the crisis,” the premier believes. “Only one issue can be more important – it is the trust of people,” Putin said.