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Putin to lead United Russia party

— PHOTO: AP

President Vladimir Putin (right) and President-elect Dmitry Medvedev during a congress of the United Russia party in Moscow on Tuesday.

MOSCOW: President Vladimir Putin accepted the leadership of the United Russia party on Tuesday, securing his grip on power after he leaves the Kremlin and becomes Prime Minister next month.

He was quickly approved as leader in a unanimous vote during a party congress that mixed promises of a bright Russian future with traditions from the Soviet past.

Mr. Putin’s decision to lead United Russia, announced just three weeks before he cedes the presidency to his hand-picked successor, Dmitry Medvedev, left little doubt that he intends to remain at the forefront for years to come. He was elected chairman for a four-year term, giving him a strong power base during Mr. Medvedev’s presidency and a potential springboard for a return to the Kremlin in 2012.

Mr. Putin cast the move as a step toward European-style democracy for Russia and said it would ensure that Russia’s political bosses and bureaucrats functioned as a “single organism” for the good of the people. “Today even more than before, we need the consolidation of political forces and the spiritual unity of our people,” he said after all 577 delegates raised their blue, red and white cards in unison to approve his nomination.

But Mr. Putin’s decision could undercut the authority of Mr. Medvedev.

Political analyst Alexander Konovalov said Mr. Putin’s decision was influenced by groups within the Kremlin that wanted him to remain President. Instead, Mr. Putin anointed Mr. Medvedev as his chosen successor and agreed to become Prime Minister, which is far weaker than the presidency.

Speaking before Mr. Putin, Mr. Medvedev turned down an offer of membership in the party, which would have made him subordinate to Mr. Putin in the party ranks. He said he supported Mr. Putin taking the party leadership, calling it a “logical and timely” step. — AP

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