“The proposition that the government is always right is manifested either in corruption or benefits to ‘preferred’ companies,” he said.

“My choice is different. The Russian economy ought to be dominated by private businesses and private investors. The government must protect the choice and property of those who willingly risk their money and reputation.”

Talking to reporters after the speech, Medvedev aide Arkady Dvorkovich said he preferred not to give direct comment on whether that was a campaign speech, but said that “this was clearly a political speech, not merely a list of economic proposals.”