Viktor Gerashchenko sees himself as a man who could unite all opposition forces in Russia ahead of the presidential election.
Photo: Dmitry Azarov
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Central Bank Ex-Chair Voices Presidential Ambitions
Former chairman of the Russian Central Bank and YUKOS Chief Executive Viktor Gerashchenko said Tuesday he is ready to run for president in 2008 as a joint candidate from all opposition parties. Ex-Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov, who has already announced his bid, called the move a “courageous” decision. Analysts, however, are skeptical that Mr. Gerashchenko could muster enough votes or unite all opposition leaders to pick him as a joint candidate.
“I would agree to run for president as a joint candidate from opposition parties and movements,” Viktor Gerashchenko said Tuesday. The CEO of bankrupt oil giant YUKOS said he had lately been in contract with “activists of different parties and political movements” and officials in Moscow and elsewhere, which had prompted him to offer his candidacy.
Giving a reason for his decision, Mr. Gerashchenko said he is deeply concerned about “chaos in economy and social issues”. “I must think about my grandchildren,” said the 69-year-old former chairman of the Central Bank.
Russia’s Former Prime Minister and opposition leader Mikhail Kasyanov, who has earlier announced his willingness to run for president, welcomed Mr. Gerashchenko’s “courageous” decision.
Political analysts say that Viktor Gerashchenko could in theory become a compromise candidate for Communists, Democrats and rightists forces alike. But the parties are not likely to agree on one candidate, experts predict.
www.kommersant.com
All the Article in Russian as of May 16, 2007
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