Putin pledges to accept prime minister post if protege is elected

PRESIDENT Vladimir Putin told a party congress yesterday he would accept the prime minister’s post if his long-time protege is elected president, guaranteeing Mr Putin a continuing heavyweight political role in Russia.

Ending speculation that he had another surprise up his sleeve in this tumultuous election season, Mr Putin also said he would not — as had been widely expected — seek to strengthen the post of prime minister at the expense of Russia’s powerful presidency.

Mr Putin last week said first deputy prime minister Dmitry Medvedev was his choice for the presidency, ensuring support by Mr Putin’s United Russia party.

A day later, Mr Medvedev said if he were elected president, he would offer Mr Putin the prime minister’s job.

“If the citizens of Russia show trust in Dmitry Medvedev and elect him the new president, I would be ready to continue our joint work as prime minister, without changing the distribution of authority,” Mr Putin said. Later, the party nominated Mr Medvedev as its candidate.

Mr Putin’s promise to accept the premiership from Mr Medvedev puts what looks like the last piece of Russia’s leadership puzzle in place.

Mr Medvedev, 42, is seen as a moderate technocrat rather than a Kremlin hawk. He seems certain to win the March 2 presidential contest, thanks to Mr Putin’s endorsement.

Mr Putin, with approval ratings above 80%, has consolidated power during his nearly eight years in office by extending government control of the media and nominally independent institutions such as the courts and parliament.

Despite Mr Putin’s pledge not to undermine Mr Medvedev, many analysts expect the centre of power to shift from the presidency to the prime minister’s post if and when Mr Putin assumes the office.

Mr Putin has insisted for years that he would relinquish power once his second presidential term ended. The constitution limits presidents to two consecutive terms.

But as Mr Putin’s retirement date approached, he seemed to have second thoughts. In November, he said a victory in parliamentary elections by United Russia would give him the “moral authority” to ensure that his policies are continued. The party won the

December 2 vote with an overwhelming majority.

White House press secretary Dana Perino said it was “an internal political decision that the Russians are going to have make”, adding that she anticipates US-Russian relations will stay strong.

“As to who will be their president and their prime minister, that will be for them to decide,” she said.