Putin Claims 'Moral Right' to Power

Says United Party victory will mean 'citizens trust me'
By Sam Gale Rosen,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 13, 2007 5:36 PM CST
Putin Claims 'Moral Right' to Power
Russian President Vladimir Putin smiles at a State Council meeting in the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk, Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2007. Putin chaired the meeting of regional governors and Cabinet ministers, which focused on transportation. Putin said Tuesday that a convincing victory for the party he is leading...   (Associated Press)

Putin claimed a “moral right” to keep a hand in Russian politics today if his party wins the December 2 election, Reuters reports. A victory for the pro-Kremlin United Party looks likely, so how would he rule after resigning as president in May? "I will refrain from a direct reply about the form in which this will be done," he said. "But there are various options.”

He could be majority leader, officially or otherwise; or he may lead the Kremlin Security Council, be prime minister, or even rule sans title, analysts say. Whatever happens, United Party is calling the ballot a “referendum on Putin” and using his popularity to gain votes. Polls show that voters like Putin, but are dubious of the party; Russia's liberal opposition is splintered and has no chance to win. (More Vladimir Putin stories.)

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