Putin: Victory will give me moral right to retain influence

RUSSIA’S President Vladimir Putin yesterday said a convincing victory for the party he is leading in next month’s parliamentary elections would give him the “moral right” to maintain strong influence after he steps down next year.

Mr Putin’s remarks in Siberia were the clearest affirmation yet he plans to keep a powerful hold on Russia’s reins, but he stopped short of saying whether he would seek a formal role.

Mr Putin said last month he would lead the dominant party’s ticket in the December 2 elections to the State Duma, the lower house of parliament. The decision appeared aimed at boosting the United Russia party’s chances and ensuring himself a power base when term limits force him from office next year.