Vladimar Putin is without a doubt a clever and politically astute operator. Experts on Russia affairs see Mr. Putin as the dominant player in Russian politics no matter the name of his official position. Mr. Medvedev seems a willing accomplice, one who will march to whatever tune Putin cares to play.
Vladimir V. Putin is a Man Who Should Not be Underestimated
Currently only 59 years old Dr. Putin graduated from the Law Department of Leningrad State University in 1975 and was employed by the widely feared State Security Committee (KGB). From 1985-1990 he worked for the KGB in East Germany.
From 1990 until August 1999 Dr. Putin advanced in Russian political circles by working in various political jobs that resulted in his appointment as Prime Minister of Russia in August 1999. On March 26, 2000 Putin was elected President of Russia. Along the way Dr. Putin earned a Ph.D degree in economics.
After serving as President for two terms Vladimir V. Putin was on May 8, 2008 appointed Prime Minster by the newly elected President Dimity Medvedev. Now Putin, who with his carefully cultivated macho image is quite popular in Russia, has decided it is time to once again become President. Now that Russia has a six-year term for the office of President Putin will probably stay in power until 2024.
Putin and Russia Have Tremendously Benefited from Higher Energy Prices
While Russia still has it problems, such as widespread corruption and home-grown terrorism, Dr. Putin's vision and effort to modernize and expand the energy and natural resources sectors has paid off big time and lead to many Russian businessmen becoming wealthy. That is if they support Vladimir V. Putin.
Dr. Putin had this to say about swapping jobs with President Medvedev, "I want to say directly: An agreement over what to do in the future was reached between us several years ago," Mr. Putin said.
"What we are recommending to the convention, it is a deeply thought-out decision," Mr. Medvedev said. "Moreover, we really discussed this possible turn of events at the time when we formed our comradely union."
The macho man Putin probably has big plans for Russia over what will likely be two six-year terms as president. For one thing Russia's improved economic position, as a major exporter of oil and gas, provides the funds to once again build a blue water navy and to expand its air power. Putin makes no secret of his wish to revive Russia as a major superpower.
Then Dr. Putin has been very clever with the leverage he has gained for Russia with Western Europe's energy supplies. Western Europe would freeze if Russia decided for whatever reason to turn off a few pipelines.
It appears that the world will be increasingly influenced for a long time to come by the soon to be once again Russian President Putin and his plans. In 2024 Dr. Putin will be 72 years old. Who knows? He may decide once again to become Prime Minster.
Sources:
VLADIMIR PUTIN - Prime Minister of the Russian Federation
"Russian Finance Chief Publicly Objects to Leader Swap", The New York Times, By: Andrew E. Kramer, Published: September 25, 2011
"Putin Once More Moves to Assume Top Job in Russia", The New York Times, By: Ellen Barry, Published: September 24, 2011.
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