Surprise As Putin Puts Himself Forward As Pm

Vladimir Putin yesterday made it clear that he had no intention of resigning from politics, and said he would accept the job of prime minister next year, if his close ally Dmitry Medvedev became Russia's next president.

Putin said he would take the helm of Russia's government when he stepped down as president in May. Medvedev offered Putin the post last week, a day after Putin endorsed Medvedev as his effective successor.

Speaking in Moscow, Putin paid warm tribute to Medvedev, describing him as a statesman and an excellent administrator. He also said he was opposed to any redistribution of powers that would enhance the prime minister's job.

"If the citizens of Russia show trust in Dmitry Medvedev and elect him the new president, I would be ready to continue our joint work as prime minister, without changing the distribution of authority," Putin told a congress of his United Russia party.

His announcement baffled many analysts. It was generally believed that Medvedev's offer to Putin last week of the PM's job was just a tactical ploy designed to bolster Medvedev's vote and image before next year's presidential elections.

It was expected that with Putin's support, and the Kremlin's huge administrative resources, Medvedev would face little difficulty in winning an overwhelming first-round victory in the March 2 poll; and at this point Putin would decline the PM's job.

Now, however, it appears Putin genuinely intends to be PM, in a power-sharing tandem with Medvedev. Under this arrangement Putin would remain the dominant partner, with 42-year-old Medvedev in a junior role.

Last night, analysts said the strategy was risky, and could cripple Medvedev's presidency. With Russia also facing a looming economic crisis and soaring inflation, prime minister Putin could swiftly become the target of popular dissatisfaction, they said.

"I'm baffled by this. I don't think it's smart to accept the offer now," said Lilia Shevtsova, a senior associate at the Carnegie Center in Moscow. "Rationally, it would be wiser to accept after March 2. This tells us about individual and collective insecurity."

"The new regime will have two centers of power. One will be stronger under Putin. The other will be weaker under Medvedev. By taking this step Putin undermines this presidency."

At yesterday's congress, Putin formally proposed Medvedev as United Russia's candidate for president. "We shouldn't be ashamed or afraid of transferring the key powers of the country, the destiny of Russia, to the hands of such a man," he said.

Medvedev responded by confirming the impression that, for the moment, he is little more than Putin's loyal disciple. He said his key policies included strengthening Russia's role in the world, and looking after the old and the young.

"All this is in Vladimir Putin's strategy. I will be guided by this strategy if I am elected president," he said.

In a piece of strained choreography, the two men strolled side by side into the cavernous conference hall. Putin looked exhausted. Medvedev, in an identical dark suit, seemed merely tired.

Under Russia's constitution Putin is obliged to step down next year. Many commentators believe he would like to bow out of politics, but has been forced to carry on in order to preserve his own security and personal wealth.

The Kremlin, meanwhile, was accused of further clamping down on media freedom after a critical reporter was expelled from the country. Natalaya Morar, a Moldovan citizen, was refused re-entry into Russia on Sunday after returning from a business trip to Israel.