Vladimir Putin intends to honor the demands of the Russian constitution which forbids a third consecutive term for a sitting president. With the end of his term approaching, Putin has given unusually close attention to the naming of a successor. This isn't altogether surprising. Given the tactics used by Putin to silence enemies in his push for his version of a strong Russia he has very good reason to want to retain his grip on power, and what better way to do so than via a proxy.
Deputy prime ministers, Sergei Ivanov and Dmitry Medvedev, are the two main contenders to replace the boss. Medvedev appears to be the chosen son and this comes as no surprise. Medvedev is in every sense Vlad's creature - as attuned to his master's voice as a dummy is to a ventriloquist. Some might argue that in Medvedev's case the term "dummy" is a gross oversimplification. His family is well established, part of the Russian elite. He's an academic and a smart politician, well schooled in the liberal arts - with an easy familiarity with Western ways. He's also a fan of Black Sabbath and Deep Purple - claims he has loved hard rock since his schooldays.
However this is a front that should fool nobody. Despite his veneer of liberalism, Medvedev is Putin's political servant. He was on-side back in 1999 when Putin first took over the reins of power. Unlike Ivanov who might prove to be less predictable as leader, Medvedev is unlikely to buck Putin's agenda. He was part of the push to rebuild Russia along more centralized and authoritarian lines. In his role as head of Gazprom Media, he was instrumental in helping to put the clamps on media critics of Putin.
Medvedev's liberalism is more form than substance. He represents no real ideological alternative to Putin. As a result of his distinguished background he has a certain cache in terms of status. But in practice, if elected he will essentially be a well educated and refined puppet. The Putin people have been working to create this facade for some time. While Medvedev charms and projects the impression of a progressive Russia, the boys with the real clout will still be pulling the strings.
Although Medvedev is the Kremlin favorite by current reckoning, it is possible Putin will name Ivanov as a candidate also in order to create the appearance of democracy-in-action.
In Russian politics, what you see ... is rarely what you get.
However this is a front that should fool nobody. Despite his veneer of liberalism, Medvedev is Putin's political servant. He was on-side back in 1999 when Putin first took over the reins of power. Unlike Ivanov who might prove to be less predictable as leader, Medvedev is unlikely to buck Putin's agenda. He was part of the push to rebuild Russia along more centralized and authoritarian lines. In his role as head of Gazprom Media, he was instrumental in helping to put the clamps on media critics of Putin.
Medvedev's liberalism is more form than substance. He represents no real ideological alternative to Putin. As a result of his distinguished background he has a certain cache in terms of status. But in practice, if elected he will essentially be a well educated and refined puppet. The Putin people have been working to create this facade for some time. While Medvedev charms and projects the impression of a progressive Russia, the boys with the real clout will still be pulling the strings.
Although Medvedev is the Kremlin favorite by current reckoning, it is possible Putin will name Ivanov as a candidate also in order to create the appearance of democracy-in-action.
In Russian politics, what you see ... is rarely what you get.
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