Vladimir Putin had signaled that he would abide by the Russian Constitution and not seek a third term in office after he retires next spring.He would be eligible to seek re-election only in 2012.The West had all along felt that a person as popular and powerful in his country as Putin would be unlikely to give up total control and that he would most likely continue to exert influence from behind the scenes.This analysis seemed to be confirmed when Putin appointed Viktor Zubkov, the head of the country's financial monitoring system as Prime Minister. It was widely believed that Sergei Ivanov an ex KGB man himself, like Putin, was being groomed for President. But today Putin has dropped a bombshell that has confounded all experts and caused unease in the West.
Putin has gone on to announce that he is not averse to the idea of becoming PM of Russia once again(he had earlier served as PM under Boris Yeltsin in 1999). The problem that Putin might be unwilling to take up the less important post of PM is easily set right. It will not be too difficult for Putin to transfer some of the powers of the President to the office of the PM. Mr. Zubkov could then be backed to become President. A loyalist like Mr.Zubkov is not expected to object to this arrangement. However many still believe that Mr.Zubkov has been chosen to ensure a smooth transition between Mr. Putin and his successor. Mr. Zubkov, although unknown to the public at large is an influential person in the Kremlin and is considered to be a compromise figure who is capable of holding together different factions in the Kremlin.
Putin is hugely popular in Russia. He is perceived as a strong President who has brought stability and relative prosperity to the country. In this he has been helped in large measure by booming prices and production of gas and oil. Putin has also started following a more aggressive foreign and defense policy, restarting long range bomber patrols and upgrading Russia's missile systems. There is no doubt that whomsoever Putin supports for presidentship will win the election.
Russian stocks that trade in London were buoyed by this announcement as it would mean a continuation of present policies and reform programs.
Whoever may be the next Russian President, events have clearly shown that Putin remains in total control of Russian politics.