Putin power plan still on target
Russia's President Vladimir Putin continued his moves towards keeping a tight political grip on the country today when he announced he would accept the post of prime minister if a key ally wins next year's presidential election.
Ending speculation that he had another surprise up his sleeve, Mr Putin also said he would not - as had been widely expected - seek to strengthen the role of the prime minister at the expense of Russia's powerful presidential post.
"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," he told a congress of the United Russia party.
Mr Putin last week said Mr Medvedev was his choice for the presidency, ensuring support by the United Russia party. A day later, Mr Medvedev said that if he were elected president, he would offer Mr Putin the prime minister's job.
Mr Putin's promise today to accept the premiership puts what looks like the last piece of Russia's leadership puzzle in place.
Mr Medvedev, seen as a moderate technocrat rather than a Kremlin hawk, seems certain to win the March 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, many analysts expect the centre of power to shift from the presidency to the prime minister's post.
Mr Putin had insisted for years that he would relinquish power once his second presidential term ended. The Russian constitution limits presidents to two consecutive terms.
But as the retirement date approached, he seemed to have second thoughts.
While Mr Putin vowed not to try to usurp power from his former aide, Mr Medvedev stressed his continuing influence over Russian affairs.
"I don't have the slightest doubt that Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, in the future, will keep using his enormous political and professional resources, his influence both in our society and in the world, for the benefit of Russia and its citizens," he said.
Putin's acceptance of Medvedev's offer came amid reports of infighting between different factions in the Kremlin, led by rival figures tied to Russian intelligence and security agencies.
Some analysts say Mr Putin is the only figure capable of preventing the government from fracturing into rival camps.
Some also say that he plans to accept the prime minister's post only as a temporary measure. If Mr Medvedev were to step down, Mr Putin could, under the constitution, run for President again.
