Medvedev says might not object to Putin job swap
(AFP) – 1 hour ago
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania — President Dmitry Medvedev said he might not object to swapping jobs with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, as the ruling duo kept Russia guessing about their plans.
Asked during a meeting with American students at the University of Pittsburgh whether he was prepared to exchange places with his powerful mentor Putin, Medvedev said he wouldn't mind as long as he could be helpful.
"If it is useful for the country, I am ready to work in any position," he said.
"The job of a president is a rather difficult thing. I can also tell you that the job of a prime minister is also a difficult thing. So there's not much difference in this sense."
Medvedev nevertheless reiterated that he would not rule out running for re-election as president, despite speculation that Putin may want to return to the Kremlin post he held before stepping down in favor of his ally.
"If I work well, if everything I do turns out fine, if the Russian people trusts me, why not run? This is absolutely normal."
Medvedev noted he had never had "abnormal presidential ambitions" and in a telltale turn of phrase said he had been "offered" the post of the president, rather than been given a chance to run for office.
"When life ruled in such a way that I was offered a relevant position, when an election campaign started I realized that you have to do this seriously, otherwise you won't simply have success."
Putin was barred by the constitution from running for a third consecutive term and had to step down, installing Medvedev at the Kremlin.
Analysts are closely watching Russia's ruling tandem for any signs of possible discord and some wonder whether Medvedev is willing to break out from Putin's embrace and strike out on his own.
In the biggest hint so far that he may come back to the Kremlin, Putin said earlier this month he and Medvedev would not compete in the 2012 election but would "come to an agreement" as they were people of "the same blood."
Many observers believe Putin is the country's real chief and that Medvedev is acting as a seat warmer for Putin.
AFP: Medvedev says might not object to Putin job swap
(AFP) – 1 hour ago
PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania — President Dmitry Medvedev said he might not object to swapping jobs with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, as the ruling duo kept Russia guessing about their plans.
Asked during a meeting with American students at the University of Pittsburgh whether he was prepared to exchange places with his powerful mentor Putin, Medvedev said he wouldn't mind as long as he could be helpful.
"If it is useful for the country, I am ready to work in any position," he said.
"The job of a president is a rather difficult thing. I can also tell you that the job of a prime minister is also a difficult thing. So there's not much difference in this sense."
Medvedev nevertheless reiterated that he would not rule out running for re-election as president, despite speculation that Putin may want to return to the Kremlin post he held before stepping down in favor of his ally.
"If I work well, if everything I do turns out fine, if the Russian people trusts me, why not run? This is absolutely normal."
Medvedev noted he had never had "abnormal presidential ambitions" and in a telltale turn of phrase said he had been "offered" the post of the president, rather than been given a chance to run for office.
"When life ruled in such a way that I was offered a relevant position, when an election campaign started I realized that you have to do this seriously, otherwise you won't simply have success."
Putin was barred by the constitution from running for a third consecutive term and had to step down, installing Medvedev at the Kremlin.
Analysts are closely watching Russia's ruling tandem for any signs of possible discord and some wonder whether Medvedev is willing to break out from Putin's embrace and strike out on his own.
In the biggest hint so far that he may come back to the Kremlin, Putin said earlier this month he and Medvedev would not compete in the 2012 election but would "come to an agreement" as they were people of "the same blood."
Many observers believe Putin is the country's real chief and that Medvedev is acting as a seat warmer for Putin.
AFP: Medvedev says might not object to Putin job swap
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