Reaction To Putin's New Presidential Bid
Vladimir Putin accepted a party nomination for president on September 24, ending years of speculation that many folks thought was beside the point anyways, since so much power resides with Putin. Here's some of the early English-language reaction and background to the news.
"@ukworldnews: NY Times: Medvedev’s Economic Reforms Likely to Continue Under Putin j.mp/ntHtIl"/They were probably Putin's reforms!
Twelve More Years: Is Putin's Return A Recipe For Stagnation?If Vladimir Putin ends up serving two more terms as Russia's president, that would keep him in power until 2024, when he will be more than 70 years old. Is this a recipe for ossification an...
Vladimir Putin and the Least Surprising Announcement of the Century t.co/C3jF2RWa #DmitriMedvedev #Russia
Russians split over Putin for presidentRussian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has agreed to run for a third term as president in elections next year. Mr Putin and Dmitry Medvedev - the man who replaced him in 2008 after his first two terms in the Kremlin - say they want to swap roles.
RT @MarcoLSilva: #Russia 's presidency: The return of the man who never left t.co/A8laEwpx #putin #medvedev
RT @Andy_Heil: Russia Today TV anchor breathless at Putin news: 'I understand conference is just winding down; enthusiasm, however, is just gearing up.'- * The "Financial Times" website's "beyondbrics" blog goes to pains to point out possible benefits for Russia. In the short term, Stefan Wagstyl says "the news should be good for Russia's financial markets, not least in perhaps slowing the capital flight that's plagued the country at times of political instability during the last two decades." (This is at odds with the prediction of longtime Kremlin critic and former deputy prime minister Boris Nemtsov, who told RFE/RL's Russian Service that the news was a "worst-case" scenario that would hasten capital flight.)But in the long term, Wagstyl says, "much will depend on whether the new Putin presidency will stick to the existing resources-based economic strategy or, finally, take the more difficult path of economic diversification."Sounds a lot like proposing to an ex-girlfriend in hopes that she's turned over a new leaf.Here's the "FT" piece:
Russia: Putin heads back to the Kremlin | beyondbrics | News and views on emerging markets from the Financial Times – FT.comThe question that has obssessed Moscow for so long has been answered: Vladimir Putin is to replace Dmitry Medvedev as president next spring, returning to the post he gave up four years ago. The plan was revealed on Saturday at the annual conference of the ruling United Russia party where Medvedev pledged to support Putin in elections next March.
RT @zugzwanged: @christianafitz Presumably with many more Action Putin photos to come. t.co/QV88SgL4.- RT @kartik2102: Putin back in 2012 for 2 six year terms, giving him power for over a quarter of a century. Any different to authoritarian rule? #Russia
- * BBC's Steve Rosenberg from Moscow:
"There were rumours that Mr Medvedev was a die-hard liberal and building a rival power base, and that he was determined to remain in the Kremlin.
"There was no sign of the rebel today at the United Russia congress -- the party conference of the party of power." 
Handing over the keys to the KremlinWhen Dmitry Medvedev was elected to the Kremlin three-and-a-half years ago, many Russians suspected that he was simply the caretaker: brought in by Vladimir Putin to keep the presidential chair warm until the constitution would allow Mr Putin to take his seat for a third term.
RT @shaunwalker7: A friend writes on FB: When I 1st heard abt Putin I was 11. Now he'll stay n power till I'm 35. 2day we're all Zimbabwean.
Medvedev Backs Putin For PresidentRussian President Dmitry Medvedv has told a ruling party congress that ex-President and current Prime Minister Vladimir Putin should be the next president of Russia.- State-run broadcaster's TV anchorman is breathless at the Putin news:"I understand the conference just winding down; the enthusiasm, however, is just gearing up."
Putin agrees to run for president in tandem reshuffle — RTOn the second day of the United Russia party congress everyone is waiting for President Medvedev and Prime Minister Putin to drop hints about their political future and presidential plans, if not make an outright declaration.
RT @lukeharding1968: I'm discussing #Russia, #Putin and my book #mafiastate at 1.30pm on BBC World Service- "If and when he assumes the presidency after next year"s elections, Mr. Putin will face painful and unpopular decisions as oil production levels off. Mr. Putin"s United Russia party has been gradually losing popularity, dropping 9 points since January to its lowest point since Mr. Medvedev became president, according to the Public Opinion Foundation. And back-to-back elections in December or March, neither of which offers an alternative to the current government, will strain the state"s coffers and voters" patience."That's "The New York Times":
Putin Will Seek Russian Presidency in 2012MOSCOW - , who for over a decade has labored to consolidate authority in under his control, will run for president next year, replacing his protégé, , and possibly extending his rule until 2024. Mr. Medvedev made the announcement on Saturday, at the convention of United Russia, the country's dominant political party.
