NOVO-OGARYOVO – Russias Vladimir Putin yesterday gave his strongest indication yet that he may run again for the presidency at the next election in 2012.
Ever since his presidential term expired last year and he made way for his chosen successor, Dmitry Medvedev, there has been speculation the move was only a temporary one.
Mr Putin, now serving as prime minister, remains extremely popular among Russian voters despite the economic downturn, and he still dominates the political scene. He said the transition at the top in 2007 had been a smooth one and there would not be any competition between himself and Mr Medvedev in 2012. – (Reuters)