Kasyanov's affair not only failed to die down over the next few days, but instead grew increasingly heated.
During an exclusive interview with reporters, Kasyanov made a highly controversial statement.
He said, "Russia is on the wrong path!"
As for why he said that, he had an explanation.
"Although the economy seemed to have developed quite well during the years I was in office, the national finances became healthier, and the international debt issue was resolved, making it seem as though everything was improving.
But in truth, I believe the real situation is far less optimistic than what everyone sees.
The data shows that national fiscal revenue has become even more dependent on the energy sector!
Taxes from the energy sector alone accounted for nearly forty percent of total national fiscal revenue last year!
That is a terrifying proportion.
Because it also means that once international energy prices fall, our national fiscal revenue will plummet, bringing with it a whole series of problems.
Meanwhile, new pillar industries have not been effectively established..."
If he had only talked about the economy, it would not have sparked much controversy. After all, this was something everyone could plainly see.
But the problem was that he had brought up the issue of the national system, and that was highly controversial.
Kasyanov put it this way: "The reason our country has become what it is today is because there is no true separation of powers, no independent judicial system, no freedom of the press, and even less protection for private property!
Previously, the Duma was merely for show and did not fulfill the role it was supposed to play.
Of course, in recent times, the Duma has begun to improve and is gradually starting to do what it should.
In this regard, I believe Deputy