I did not like formal meetings, because they took away my freedom. I just liked to spend time with my friends, where I could be myself and did not need to don a mask.

It was not my wish to come into politics. I was not a public person; I preferred to spend my birthdays with family and friends. But the 2008 elections were fraudulent, so I decided to finance the opposition to make them stronger.

I do yoga every day, some sport, have a meal once a day, eat some fruit, and drink one glass of wine. And once a month I gather together my close friends. But my wife and I do not like conspicuous luxury.

I would like to become the prime minister, do the job for two years, and then leave and devote myself to public work.

My main capital isn't the money. I respect myself; I respect my country.

I've never been an oligarch. The definition of an oligarch is someone who has co-operated with the government, and I never did.