Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday he is convinced that the “tandem’s” idea to redistribute power will strengthen the country, and that he expects to get electoral support.
In an interview with Chinese media, Putin praised the ruling team for its success in the country's socio-economic development in the pre-crisis period, mitigating the effects of the global financial crisis in 2008 and a well-conceived plan of actions.
Putin and President Dmitry Medvedev have backed one another to switch roles, ending months of speculation over which man would stand in elections to the presidency next March. Medvedev proposed Putin for president at the United Russia congress in late September, saying he was ready to head the government in case of Putin’s victory.
“I believe that the decision that current President Dmitry Medvedev and I have made is absolutely correct because it does not weaken but rather strengthens the government system,” the prime minister said.
“We are counting on electoral support, as we think that we have passed through a difficult period in the history of our country, caused by the global crisis, with minimal losses,” Putin added
“We are aware of what we should do to achieve the best results in the economic and social spheres,” the prime minister said.
“That is why I think we can let … Russian citizens judge our proposal in the parliamentary and presidential elections,” Putin said.
