In Moscow they call it “the 2012 problem”. Asked for the first time point blank about their plans for Russia’s presidential elections in less than three years’ time, Vladimir Putin, prime minister, and Dmitry Medvedev, president, gave similar answers.
Mr Putin, president until 2008, when he anointed his protégé Mr Medvedev his successor, signalled his intention to return, telling a group of visiting Russia experts: “We will decide it amongst ourselves.” Mr Medvedev told the same group: “A while ago, I had no intention of running for the presidency but fate has intervened...and I am not ruling anything out.”
Read Full Article »