Questão número 636724

Read the text below in order to answer questions 21 to 25:

RUSSIA'S PROMISING FUTURE

Major political developments have been taking place in Russia since the early resignation of President Boris Yeltsin.

Andrew Hunt, economist at Dresdner RCM, says the present leader Putin - a former KGB agent - is seen as someone who can get taxes collected and close the budget deficit.

"The markets are excited and believe Putin can bring about change which can make Russia's economy function properly".

The ASP General, the stock market index in Russia, grew by 350% last year.

"We will see the stabilisation of the financial situation in Russia which has had a problem with tax collection, but this will improve and lead to a reduction in interest rates which were at 50% at the beginning of 2000. If inflation comes down to 25%, interest rates will come down 15%, within the next six months".

According to the text, Boris Yeltsin

• A. became too ill to go on ruling Russia.
• B. was suddenly overthrown by Vladimir Putin.
• C. intervened swiftly in the Russian economy.
• D. was interviewed by a former KGB agent.
• E. was replaced as leader by Vladimir Putin.