Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Russia

Gorbachev Says Putin's View 'Important' In 2008 Election

Mikhail Gorbachev at a concert in his honor in Moscow this February (epa)

August 15, 2006 -- Former Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev has called on Russians to pay heed to President Vladimir Putin's opinion when they elect a new leader in 2008.

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August 15, 2006

In an interview published today by the Russian daily "Nezavisimaya gazeta," Gorbachev said it was "important to hear who the president will name" as his preferred successor.

The Russian Constitution requires Putin to step down after the end of his second term, in 2008.

(Interfax)

Russia Beyond 2008

President Putin is mulling his political future (epa)

THE 2008 QUESTION: President Vladimir Putin's second term of office ends in the spring of 2008. Since the Russian Constitution bars him from seeking a third consecutive term, this event threatens to present a crisis in a country that has a history of managed power transitions. Already, Russian politics are dominated by the ominous 2008 question.
RFE/RL's Washington office hosted a briefing to discuss the prospects of Putin seeking a third term. The featured speakers were RFE/RL Communications Director Don Jensen and political scientist Peter Reddaway of George Washington University.

LISTEN

Listen to Don Jensen's presentation (about 16 minutes):
Real Audio Windows Media

LISTEN

Listen to Peter Reddaway's presentation (about 35 minutes):
Real Audio Windows Media

Will Putin Pursue Third Term, Or Will It Pursue Him?

Could Yakunin Be 'First-Called' As Putin's Successor?

Putin Again Says He Won't Run For Third Term But Will 'Work' For Russia

Interview: Former Premier Kasyanov Warns Of Political Crisis

Former Premier Kasyanov Announces Run For President

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