Sunday, May 15, 2011

Russia's Presidency Race Is On

Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev. © POOL

Has The Putin-Medvedev War Begun For Real? -- RIA Novosti

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's failure to endorse powerful Prime Minister Vladimir Putin's "people's front" initiative is a sign of open confrontation ahead of the 2012 presidential polls, analysts said on Friday.

Putin called last week at a ruling United Russia party conference for the creation of the All-Russia People's Front to broaden the party's electoral base with "non-party people," including trade unions, NGOs, business associations and youth groups.

Read more ....

My Comment: What makes this "political fight" difficult to cover is that both men have not officially made their intentions clear on whether they want the Presidency or not. What is my take .... I do know that Prime Minister Putin does not want to give up power, and if he can keep it without running for the Presidency .... he will. Putin is more popular than Medvedev with most Russians, and he would easily win if he was to run for the job. Until he makes his intentions clear, second guessing and work for the pundits will be the order of the day in Moscow.

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