Putin hints at his future

Russia’s president Vladimir Putin today gave the clearest hint yet that he intends to maintain a position of power even after standing down from office next year.

Mr Putin said that a convincing victory for his party in next month’s parliamentary elections would give him the “moral right” to maintain a strong influence in Russia after his second term ends next May.

However he stopped short of saying whether he would seek a formal role.

Mr Putin said last month that he would lead the dominant United Russia party’s ticket in the elections to the State Duma, the lower house of parliament. The decision appeared aimed at boosting the party’s chances and ensuring himself a power base.

“If the people vote for United Russia, it means that a clear majority of the people put their trust in me, and in turn that means I will have the moral right to hold those in the Duma and the Cabinet responsible for the implementation of the tasks that have been set as of today,” Mr Putin said.

“In what form I will do this, I cannot yet give a direct answer. But various possibilities exist,” he said, after being asked why he had decided to lead the United Russia party.

Party leaders do not always take seats in parliament, and the Kremlin has said Mr Putin has no intention of doing so.