Big parties can't consume small ones - Medvedev

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev believes so-called small parties have potential for development.

In an interview with Russian television channels on Friday, Medvedev answered the question to how the development of "small" parties comprising many active people can be promoted.

The prime minister assumed that the current situation is only the beginning of the development of the Russian party system in a new, transformed form.

"Small parties can help themselves by making political slogans that people will perceive. However, speaking about helping them in practice, I believe we shouldn't let big parties consumer small parties. That may happen," Medvedev said responding to a question about assistance to small parties.

Medvedev reiterated that small parties had effect on the election outcome because people voted for them.

"Their increase indicates that people want to see new political forces. I am confident that they will be gaining popularity and will form alliances, which will lead to the formation of stronger parties," Medvedev said.

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