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Stable Russia Hardly Guaranteed

Putin-Medvedev partnership at odds with country's wish for single, strong leader

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Feb 27, 2008 1:15 PM CST

(Newser) – When Dmitry Medvedev takes over as Russia's president and Vladimir Putin assumes the mantle of prime minister, after Sunday's elections, Russia will be moving into uncharted territory—and Der Spiegel writer Christian Neef isn’t confident it’ll work. Putin’s Russia isn’t nearly as stable as it looks, and though it appears Putin will still be in control, Russians have never shared power well.

“We can assume that Putin will not lose his power,” said one relieved German official. But while Medvedev seems loyal to Putin, “this doesn’t necessarily mean anything,” Neef writes. Medvedev is a strategic thinker, and Russian leaders have a habit of pushing aside their rivals. Even if the buddy system works, can authoritarian-minded Russia handle two power centers?

Russian traditional wooden Matryoshka dolls depicting President Vladimir Putin and presidential candidate First Deputy Premier Dmitry Medvedev are seen in Moscow, Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008. Russians will... (Associated Press)

Russian President Vladimir Putin walks in front of giant advertising poster depicting him and his likely successor Dmitry Medvedev for upcoming presidential elections while he attends a wreath laying... (Associated Press)

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and Russia's First Deputy Prime Minister and presidential candidate Dmitry Medvedev (L) listen to the state anthem prior a concert devoted to the national holiday,... (Getty Images)

Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and First Deputy Prime Minister and presidential candidate Dmitry Medvedev (L) visit the Zhukovsky airbase outside of Moscow on February 20, 2008. (NATALIA KOLESNIKOVA/AFP/Getty... (Getty Images)

Russian First Deputy Premier and presidential hopeful Dmitry Medvedev, looks on during a meeting in Nizhny Novgorod - about 400 kilometers (250 miles) east of Moscow on Wednesday, Feb. 27, 2008. Russians... (Associated Press)

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Stable Russia Hardly Guaranteed

Putin-Medvedev partnership at odds with country's wish for single, strong leader

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Medvedev Rips 'Provocateurs, Extremists'

President offers some reforms, but opposition says not enough

Kremlin Tries to Calm Protesters

Medvedev writes conciliatory note on Facebook

Putin Officially Running for Prez

United Russia party nominates him to run in March elections

Tyrant Putin's Return Bad News

He's made Russian elections a farce

Cracks Form in Putin-Medvedev Partnership

Lower-ranking politicians fired as tensions flare ahead of Russian election

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Putin-Medvedev partnership at odds with country's wish for single, strong leader

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

Russia • Vladimir Putin • power sharing • Dmitry Medvedev • Russian elections

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Medvedev Rips 'Provocateurs, Extremists'

President offers some reforms, but opposition says not enough

Kremlin Tries to Calm Protesters

Medvedev writes conciliatory note on Facebook

Putin Officially Running for Prez

United Russia party nominates him to run in March elections

Tyrant Putin's Return Bad News

He's made Russian elections a farce

Cracks Form in Putin-Medvedev Partnership

Lower-ranking politicians fired as tensions flare ahead of Russian election

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Newser By Users

Community

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