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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009
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Putin Hints at 2012 Comeback

Russian PM says he may succeed Medvedev in 2012

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(Newser) – Vladimir Putin dropped his strongest hint yet last night that he may seek to return to his country's top job in 2012. In an interview with Japanese media, Russia's president-turned-PM said there was no decision yet on whether he or Dmitry Medvedev would run for president at the end of Medvedev's term. Putin said the two would decide together.

Medvedev took over as Russia's head of state a year ago, but as the Guardian reports, analysts and ordinary Russians believe Putin remains the dominant figure. Medvedev also extended the presidential term from four years to six, leading many to speculate he was paving the way for an extended encore by Putin. The prime minister said he knows Medvedev “will look at his political future based on the interests of the country."

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, right, and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, left, take part in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of Unknown Soldier.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, right, and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, left, take part in a wreath laying ceremony at the Tomb of Unknown Soldier.   (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, foreground, and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev look on as they attend the annual Victory Day parade at Red Square in Moscow, Russia, Saturday, May 9, 2009.
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, foreground, and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev look on as they attend the annual Victory Day parade at Red Square in Moscow, Russia, Saturday, May 9, 2009.   (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin chairs a Cabinet meeting in Moscow, Monday, April 13, 2009.
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin chairs a Cabinet meeting in Moscow, Monday, April 13, 2009.   (AP Photo / RIA-Novosit, Alexei Druzhinin, Pool)
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, left, and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin smile as they attend the annual Victory Day parade at Moscow's Red Square in Moscow, Russia, Saturday, May 9, 2009.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, left, and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin smile as they attend the annual Victory Day parade at Moscow's Red Square in Moscow, Russia, Saturday, May 9, 2009.   (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)
From left, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin stand with World War II veterans during the annual Victory Day parade on Moscow's Red Square, Saturday, May 9, 2009.
From left, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin stand with World War II veterans during the annual Victory Day parade on Moscow's Red Square, Saturday, May 9, 2009.   (AP Photo/RIA-Novosti, Mikhail Klimentyev, Presidential Press Service)
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TerrifiedCitizen
May 11, 09 8:44 AM CDT
Most people believe Putin has been calling the shots all along... he is just missing the limelight. Reply
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