Putin’s 2012 bid raises concern

♥♪!? · #1 09-25-2011, 02:12 AM

Putin?s 2012 bid raises concern - World - TheChronicleHerald.ca

Quote:

MOSCOW — Vladimir Putin’s decision to reclaim the presidency next year sets up the possibility that he could rule Russia until 2024 and foreshadows a continuation of the strongman rule that many in the West have called a retreat from democracy.
Although Putin departed the Kremlin in 2008 due to term limits and moved about two kilometres down the road to the prime minister’s office, in a sense he never left at all. He used Russia’s state-controlled national TV channels to remain the country’s pre-eminent political figure, with appearances as a bold adventurer in Russia’s wilderness, a vigorous advocate of the country’s global importance and, occasionally, as a bit of a rogue consorting with scruffy motorcyclists.

His hand-picked successor as president, Dmitry Medvedev, appeared as little more than a tame youngster in comparison — enthusing about Twitter and issuing earnest statements about the need for reforms, but achieving few tangible results.
"He didn’t do anything important, and I’m pretty sure they didn’t let him do anything," said Vyachelsav Mazurkov, who was spending a cool fall afternoon in a Moscow park soon after the congress of Russia’s dominant political party approved Putin’s candidacy. Although Medvedev had shown flashes of independence, particularly in denouncing the corruption that flourished during Putin’s presidency, he was seen by many as simply a placeholder while Putin bided his time until he could legally return.

If he wins the March 4 election — a near-certainty given his popularity and mastery of Russia’s political system — Putin will return to a presidency even more powerful than when he left. In 2012, the presidential term will be extended to six years from four; he would be eligible to serve two terms and just a few weeks shy of turning 59, the avid martial-arts fan’s health appears robust.
In nominating Putin, his United Russia party also approved his proposal that Medvedev take over Putin’s current role as prime minister, the No. 2 government position.

Putin’s return to the presidency would be unlikely to ease Russia’s dispute with the United States over the building of a European missile-defence system and other issues. Economic pressures, however, could push Putin to pursue reforms aimed at attracting more foreign investment, analysts said.
During his presidency, Putin ruled Russia with a steely command, bringing about a system known as "managed democracy" that saw opposition politicians all but eliminated from the national eye. His personal popularity aided his manoeuvring. Many Russians view Putin as the strong, decisive figure needed by a sprawling country troubled by corruption, an Islamist insurgency and massive economic inequality.
The presidential election is preceded by national parliamentary elections on Dec. 4, in which United Russia will seek to retain its dominance; the party has 312 of the 450 seats in the current parliament. The period for formal submission of presidential candidates’ names has not begun, and it is unclear who might challenge Putin for president.

As president, Medvedev called for improvements in Russia’s unreliable court system and for efforts against the country’s endemic corruption. But his initiatives have produced little tangible result. Moving Medvedev to the premiership could set him up to take the brunt of criticism for austerity measures that Putin has warned will be necessary for Russia amid global economic turmoil.

Amity · #2 09-25-2011, 07:04 AM

This is pretty unsurprising. Medvedev is basically his puppet anyway.

barkstonwill · #3 09-25-2011, 11:39 AM

This is as unexpected as the sun rising.

Its really a shame because while Putin is certainly a healthy political strongman who can keep Russia from folly, Medvedev was giving hints of being a progressive, flexible, future oriented leader really. He was taking baby steps away from Putin's puppet strings. Medvedev was really impressive in all of the interviews I saw of him.

Putin is an effective leader. He's just not the sort of leader anyone at Amnesty International or Human Rights watch wants to see sitting in the chair lol.

bort · #4 09-25-2011, 08:44 PM

2024? That's a whole lotta Putin.