A senior figure in Russia's ruling party said on Thursday it wants Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to return to the Kremlin next year, countering President Dmitry Medvedev who is showing stronger signs he wants a second term, Reuters reported.
The remarks reflected increasing tension between backers of the two leaders in anticipation of a decision by Putin on whether he will seek to reclaim the presidency or endorse Medvedev for an election next March.
"As for the party's position on the 2012 elections, United Russia will orient itself on its leader Vladimir Putin," said Yuri Shuvalov, deputy secretary of the presidium of the United Russia party's General Council, in a statement on its website.
Putin, president from 2000-08, was required by the constitution to step aside after two consecutive terms in the Kremlin, and chose Medvedev as his successor. He is permitted to run again in next year's election.
He and Medvedev say they now rule as a "tandem" and they will decide together which of them will run for president. Most political analysts believe the decision is up to Putin.
Russia ruling party backs Putin to reclaim presidency
A senior figure in Russia's ruling party said on Thursday it wants Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to return to the Kremlin next year, countering President Dmitry Medvedev who is showing stronger signs he wants a second term
