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| Caucasus/Russia/Central Asia |
| The Next Russian |
| 2005-11-15 |
| The promotion of Dmitry Medvedev as first deputy prime minister, and Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov's elevation to deputy prime minister strongly suggests the Kremlin has put into play its plan to anoint a compromise Kremlin candidate to succeed Vladimir Putin in 2008. That person is, most likely, Medvedev. On Monday, Putin elevated Medvedev, seen to be a liberal reformer, from the position of head of the presidential administration to first deputy minister. Medvedev will retain his position as chairman of the state-controlled energy giant Gazprom. Equally important is Ivanov's appointment. He is thought to represent the security forces around Putin. Ivanov will continue to hold the defense portfolio. Both appointments can be interpreted as Putin preparing the ground for the world to see his protege, Medvedev, succeed him when is he steps down as president in 2008... |
| Posted by:Anonymoose |