2008 News of the World - Russia

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Putin Retains Power

Russian president Vladimir Putin stepped down in 2008—as required by term limits—after eight years in office, but he refused to relinquish power. Putin orchestrated his continued political dominance by heading the list of candidates on the United Russia ticket, the country's leading political party, in 2008's parliamentary elections. Indeed, United Russia won in a landslide, taking 64.1% of the vote, and Putin became prime minister. Historically, the post of prime minister has been largely ceremonial. Putin's ascension, however, clearly changed that convention. Putin used his sway over the media to stifle the opposition, which complained that the vote was rigged. Opposition leader and former chess champion Garry Kasparov said the election was "the most unfair and dirtiest in the whole history of modern Russia."

In addition, Putin handpicked his successor, Dmitri Medvedev, who won March 2008's presidential election in a landslide, taking 67% of the vote. Medvedev, who is moderate and pro-Western, vowed to restore stability to Russia, but significant change in the government is not expected. In assembling a cabinet, Putin called on several members of his former administration

For more information about Russia and Putin:

• Russia Country Profile

• Vladimir Putin