D. A. Medvedevs decision to step down as a candidate in the upcoming presidential elections must have been a difficult one as, constitutionally speaking, the president is the most powerful person in the Russian Federation. Why he has done so? President Medvedev would be a very good president for the next term in office in so-called normal times, prosperous times, stable times. But what we see today is everything but stability and prosperity: problems in Europe, financial problems in the U.S., the slowdown of the Chinese economy, and, finally North African and Arab revolutions. In general, political instability in the world demands a lot from governments, and this includes the crisis management that is needed in Russia. Thus, one of the main reasons of his decision might be the need for stronger leadership, for a crisis manager who will be able to steer Russia through the period of a global instability. The second reason might be that D.A. Medvedev started his presidency with very ambitious plans with his famous article Forward, Russia! The problem is that many of his ambitious and forward-looking proposals did not materialize. Judging his presidency from the perspective of his promises, we may say that a lot of reforms in law enforcement and other legal areas were implemented, but in the area of modernization of the country few things have been done. He has no support - or until recently he didnt have the support - of any political party for his own political platform. Its also doubtful that he will be able to become an effective leader of the United Russia party that for years was domesticated by V.V. Putin. Origin: www.valdaiclub.com
Cousin Boris says ever'body knew he was just a placeholder... Seat warmer: Russia's Medvedev stepping aside for 'more popular' Putin September 30, 2011 - Dmitry Medvedev admits a deal was made in which he would hold onto the presidency until Putin was constitutionally allowed to return to office. Medvedev's supporters are not amused.
