Israel, Jerusalem, 10 May / Trend corr. A.Gut / Vladimir Putin was elected Prime Minister of Russia with a big majority in the extraordinary meeting of the State Duma (Russian Parliament).
This week had historical and fundamental meaning for the post-Soviet Russia. For the first time no violence and revolution was observed during passing of the power. The ceremony was held without any unprecedented scene, as Vladimir Putin passed on the baton to his successor Dmitri Medvedev, elected on 2 March, and took the post of the Prime Minister. Putin left Kremlin and moved to the building called 'White House' near the Moscow River.
Will Putin remain a leading politic and strategist? Or, will Medvedev be able to choose a new course of development of the country? The scene was developed by Putin will enable him to remain silent as owner of the Empire and to observe the framework of the Constitution. This step, however, was accompanied with 'anointing' by Putin of the new successor - former subordinated in bureaucratic structures and partners on business Dmitri Medvedev.
The public was not informed well about Medvedev's political relations with the special services, the officials of which took the high rank positions and business and became dominated national forces of the country during Putin's presidency.
Putin, 55, could manage to have control over those who were at odds with clans in the administration, being a mediator in their disputes in order to form the image of stability.
Taking into consideration the 'storm and pressure' of Yeltsin epoch the expansion of power of federal authorities was predictable during two terms of governing of Putin. Putin cancelled the direct election of governors; cut the freedom of electron media, toughened the rules of parliamentary elections and limited the activity of foreign NGOs.
Putin empowered Kremlin to hold control over the energy sector -the key source of income of the country. Taking into consideration the political authorities in Russia the elections turned out to be false, and the authority of Putin's successor was diluted. According to one of the Russian leading expert, "Putin will not leave the office. He just changes his status. Putin was the 'national manager' of the country, and will become the country national leader after March.
In order to strengthen new apportionment of forces, Vladimir Putin led ruling Unified Russia Party who has been leading in the parliament with 315 of votes out of 450. Vladimir Putin gained unlimited authority overt the Party. The leader of the party, who does not have Party-membership card yet, can dismiss any member of the Unified Russia and nominate candidates for the elections. If Dmitri Medvedev strives for more independence, the head of the majority in the parliament will have a weapon to frighten him, precisely - impeachment, which needs only three quarters of votes of the State Duma. It seems that Putin will be able to cross this threshold. Taking into consideration the current alignment of forces and the personality qualities of both 'national leaders', it is not surprising that two quarters of the Russians who took in the opinion poll conducted by Levada-Center, believe that Medvedev will run the country under Putin's patronage. It a fact that Medvedev is grateful to Putin, therefore, he is trying not to deviate too much from the Putin strategy.
Nevertheless, a new President had a real power and he will have opportunities to announce his own political philosophy. The western leaders should listen to Medvedev with respect, not with indulgence. After all, Medvedev has a large scope for achievements if he dares to get down to work.
Vladamir Putin knows that the screws created by his system are tightened strongly and it is high time to loosen them a little, that is, to allow some liberalization with an adequate caution. As to the caution, the laws passed for the last two months increasing the authorities of the Premier, come to mind. But for all that, it should be mentioned that Putin has planned Medvedev's coming to Kremlin himself which excludes the possibility of confrontation between them in the near future. If the partnership pact between Putin and Medvedev runs long, they will have to keep under control the competition between the clans. If their positions conflict each-other, a battle will begin in Moscow.
One can speak of the two moments with confidence. First, no one (even Putin and Medvedev) knows how long the Moscow tandem will function. Second, Russia has a strong need in two-head eagle, the tsar symbol inherited from the Byzantine Empire, the image of which is described in the State Emblem of the new Russia. How long the two heads will be able to live in peace and harmony so that the flight of the eagle would not be interrupted? It is Your Majesty Time who will answer the question. The two-headed eagle is the symbol of Russia and the history tells that the period of dual powers in Russian government lasted very short and ended up very bad.