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The Times Forecasts Putin to Remain in Power
Putin’s readiness to head United Russia’s list at the State Duma elections and take over the government in spring of 2008 solves the Kremlin’s problem of successor, The Times speculates.
According to The Times, Russia will have a weak president, while Putin will continue to control the country as a powerful prime minister. So, the obvious frontrunner to president office is Viktor Zubkov, who is already 66 years old and who is known for devotion to Putin.
The sudden illness of Zubkov will pave the way to the Kremlin for Putin, as he will be able to get back to the president’s office after early elections, The Times forecasts.
Moreover, Putin’s decision has actually ended ambitions of policymakers viewed as potential successors until recently. Amid them are Russia’s First Vice Premiers Sergey Ivanov and Dmitry Medvedev. Medvedev may take over Gazprom, while Ivanov is doomed to remain Putin’s shadow.
www.kommersant.com
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