MOSCOW, June 12 (Xinhua) -- President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday was elected leader of the All-Russia Popular Front social movement.
In his speech at the official founding congress, Putin said the movement should become a "direct democracy mechanism" that could give Russians the right to demand that all levels of power fulfill their duties.
Putin also expressed hope that the newly founded movement would serve as a permanent institution where "people of opposite views could gather to discuss problems and find appropriate ways to solve them."
"Russia needs everyone's contribution. Sincere involvement in the general improvement of the country. Not tomorrow, but today," Putin said, adding that was the reason of creating the pro-government social movement.
Teacher detained for molesting school girls | Special coverage: Zero tolerance to child molestation