Russians are set to vote in parliamentary elections this December and presidential elections in March 2008. For the past year, political analysts have been guessing in vain about Vladimir Putin's intentions. Whatever happens, it is generally agreed that a full withdrawal from power, or at least influence, is not one of the options.
In a move still defying confident analysis, Putin dismissed his entire cabinet on September 12th and appointed a new Prime Minister, Viktor Zubkov - a name previously unknown in Russian politics.
The same evening, Putin held a Q&A session with representatives of Western media and academics, something he's done numerous times in the past. The Times was present at the meeting and their article on it is available here. I'll quote the part dealing with the cabinet's dismissal:
"He began by defending his choice and timing of a new prime minister, which stunned Russia this week, saying that he had to change the Government now because people had begun to cast around for other jobs in anticipation of change.
He said it was not his idea but that of Mikhael Fradkov, the former Prime Minister, to dissolve the Cabinet and reform the Government under a different leadership. Mr Putin praised both the outgoing Prime Minister and his successor, Viktor Zubkov, who he said had a fine record of service. He said the 65-year-old new Prime Minister might himself want to run for president, just as Mr Putin did when appointed Prime Minister in 1999, but he would first have to prove himself."
Strangely, The Times reports that Putin "all but ruled out" a return to power in 2012. At the same time, BBC's report on the meeting says, "...he did not rule out standing again for president in 2012 or 2016..." Lost in translation?
