For the complete report from the globeandmail.com click on this link
Putin moves to cement grip on power - by Jane Armstrong
Russian President Vladimir Putin said yesterday he would agree to serve as prime minister, putting to rest any doubts he will exit the political stage upon his scheduled retirement in three months. The announcement came just a week after his hand-picked successor, Dmitry Medvedev, urged Mr. Putin to stay on in Russian political life because his people still need him.Since the fall of communism in 1991, the Russian presidency has been a powerful post, responsible for the military and foreign policy. The president can also appoint and fire a prime minister. It is predicted Mr. Putin will move quickly to increase the prime minister's powers, but it is also noted the emergence of "two centres of gravity" could cause a political crisis. "The political elites and the ruling class will be at a loss as to what centre of gravity to support, which boat to choose, which movie to see. This opens a totally unknown chapter," she said. "It also can bring disaster and paralysis."
No comments:
Post a Comment