Putin Decides To Retake Presidency

[Purveyor]

Source: The Sunday Times

RUSSIAN Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has decided to run for the presidency next year, raising the possibility of a power struggle with his protege Dmitry Medvedev, the incumbent Kremlin leader, say highly placed sources.

The once-close relationship between Mr Putin, the tough-talking former KGB officer who has inspired a personality cult, and Mr Medvedev, a softly spoken Twitter enthusiast, has become increasingly fractious amid speculation in Moscow that the younger man wishes to stand again.

Insiders familiar with both leaders said Mr Putin, who served eight years as president before becoming Prime Minister three years ago, had begun to lose confidence in Mr Medvedev's loyalty.

Under the constitution, Mr Putin's move to reclaim the presidency could see him rule for two consecutive six-year terms until 2024, when he will be 72. If so, he would have served as prime minister or president for 24 years in all.

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Read more: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/putin-decides-to-retake-presidency/story-e6frg6so-1226060709096

[FLPanhandle]

1. A hint to Mr. Medvedev: If you value your life, don't run

Strangely enough Putin doesn't have any strong enemies...not a one. Something to think about Mr. Medvedev.

[Matilda]

2. My first thought too.

Bad things happen to people who oppose Mr Putin.

[AtheistCrusader]

3. I think Medvedev could beat him.

Maybe we'll see Putin retire after all.

[AndiMer]

4. You have be be ALIVE to win an election

[cosmicone]

5. Putin is more popular because of his decisive action against Georgia. n/t

[Arrowhead2k1]

6. It's all show. There's NO rift between these guys.

Putin and Medvedev are very calculating. They've been trying hard to show their people that there is some kind of daylight between them so that Russians only feel like they have a real choice in the next elections. It's all about the optics.

[Exultant Democracy]

7. Well only if you read what gets published by the press with a critical eye.

Although it is important to note that sometimes people get caught up in their own kabuki theater.

[Rhiannon12866]

8. Quelle surprise!

:eyes:

[Posteritatis]

9. Like he hasn't had it the last few years anyway. (nt)

[otohara]

10. If There Ever Was A Narcissist

Putin fits the profile 110%