Dimitry Medvedev, the Russian president, has proposed Vladimir Putin, former president and now prime minister, as presidential candidate for 2012, almost certainly guaranteeing Mr. Putin will continue to rule Russia for another six or possibly 12 years. Mr. Putin is clearly the dominant force in this mariage de convenance.
Their sharing of power means that, counting Mr. Putin’s first eight years as president, Russia will live under the rule of Mr. Putin for at least a quarter of a century.
This is a living example of how political power can be delivered in a republic by carefully deals done between politicians.
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President Medvedev made the proposal on Saturday in an address to a congress of United Russia, the pro-Kremlin party that dominates Russian politics.
In this video clip Al Jazeera's Neave Barker reported from Moscow on 24/9.Under constitutional changes pushed forward by Dmitry Medvedev, the new president will have a six-year mandate rather than four years as before.
…long standing deal..
Vladimir Putin served the maximum two terms as President until 2008, handing over the position to Dmitry Medvedev, while he became Prime Minister. Under the dea,l which he revealed had been agreed "long ago", President Medvedev will become Prime Minister.
This will mean that Vladimir Putin will be the republican ruler of Russia until at least 2018, and possibly 2024, a role which he has held from from 2000.
"I would like to say directly that the agreement about what should be done, what we should be doing – that we reached a long time ago, several years ago," Vladimir Putin said .
"I propose that the list of United Russia for the State Duma elections on December 4 be headed by the head of state, Dmitry Medvedev," Mr. Putin continued.
President Medvedev said: "What we are offering the convention is a well thought out decision. I want to stress one thing: we've always said the truth.""Our beloved country, our Russia should belong to free, decent and responsible people. And I am certain – it will be this way."
…President Putin received by The Queen….
Here reelsarency's Channel presents a selection of clips on President Putin's state Visit to London in 2003, followed by a clip from The Royal Channel.
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