Russia's little big man to return

“Putin is credited with bringing political stability and re-establishing the rule of law.[2] During his presidency, Russia's economy bounced back from crisis, seeing GDP increase by 72% in PPP(sixfold in nominal),[3][4] poverty decrease by more than 50%,[5][6][7] and average monthly salaries increase from $80 to $640.[3][8][9] These achievements were ascribed to strong macroeconomic management, important fiscal policy reforms and a confluence of high oil prices, surging capital inflows and access to low-cost external financing,[10] and were described as impressive by analysts.[11][12]”

“Russia's Putin set to return as president in 2012

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin says he has accepted a proposal to stand for president in March 2012.

Addressing the ruling United Russia party's annual congress, Mr  Putin and current President Dmitry Medvedev backed one another to switch roles.

The announcements end speculation over which man should run for the top job.

United Russia, which Mr Putin leads, dominates the country's politics and observers say his return to the Kremlin is now all but guaranteed.

He had already served two terms as president before Mr Medvedev took over in 2008. Mr Putin was barred by the constitution from running for a third consecutive term.

"I want to thank you for the positive reaction to the proposal for me to stand for Russian president," he told delegates after Mr Medvedev suggested he should be a candidate.

"For me this is a great honour."

Mr Putin also indicated that Mr Medvedev could become prime minister following the 4 December parliamentary vote.

"I am certain that United Russia will win, and based on popular support, Dmitry Anatolyevich will be able to create a new, effective, young, energetic management team and head the government of the Russian Federation," he said.

Mr Medvedev had earlier accepted a proposal that he head the party's list of candidates in the elections and spoke of his "readiness to assume practical work in the government" in the future.

It's been the longest running open question in Russian politics.

Since the presidency went to the more technocratic Dmitry Medvedev in 2008, Mr Putin has remained a pivotal - many would say the pivotal player - behind the scenes.

Regularly burnishing his tough-guy, outdoor image, Mr Putin clearly had ambitions of returning to the job. His path now seems assured.

Some in the West saw Mr Medvedev as easier to deal with, in contrast to the tougher - often more abrasive - Mr Putin. But this was perhaps to mis-read the curious dual leadership at Russia's helm.

This has been reflected in Russia's foreign policy: on the one hand a more assertive approach to the world outside, but equally - through, for example, the "re-setting" of relations with Washington - an attempt to find new patterns of co-operation.

Nonetheless, during recent weeks Mr Medvedev's own foreign policy line has toughened. These really are two facets of a common approach to the world, so Mr Putin's return should not signal any dramatic shift in Moscow's line.

Backing Mr Putin for president, he said: "I think it would be correct for the congress to support the candidacy of the party chairman, Vladimir Putin, to the post of president of the country."

The congress must formally nominate Mr Putin as its presidential candidate - but that appears all but certain given the cheering and applause that greeted Mr Medvedev's proposal.

There have been months of speculation that Mr Putin planned to return to the Kremlin when elections are held in March.

Correspondents say most Russians believe he has greater influence in the country and far more power than Mr Medvedev.

'Bitter medicine'

Mr Putin told delegates that the two men had reached agreement on who should hold which post "a long time ago, several years back".

He also warned of possible, unpopular measures to cope with the global financial turmoil.

"The task of the government is not only to pour honey into a cup, but sometimes to give bitter medicine," Mr Putin said.

"But this should always be done openly and honestly, and then the overwhelming majority of people will understand their government."

Mr Medvedev has spearheaded a drive to modernise Russia during his term in office.

Some economists say the return of the more conservative Mr Putin could counter this. Others say the two men vary in their styles but differ little on policy.

Under recent constitutional amendments, the new president will have a six-year mandate rather than four years as before. He or she will be able to serve no more than two consecutive terms, meaning Mr Putin could be in office until 2024.”