Power Transfer in Russia: A Note (DR.ABDUL RUFF Colachal)

Power Transfer in Russia: A Note

Against all predictions in the West and elsewhere about a likely unease, rather crisis, in power transfer in Russia as Putin was quilting Kremlin after over 8 years of his powerful stay, the scene on 07 May at the Kremlin has been smooth and Dimtry Medvedev, has assumed power as the third president of Russian federation since the collapse of the USSR in 1991, as outgoing President Vladimir Putin transferred power, without any hassles what so ever, to his junior deputy Premier and his chosen successor, upon winning landslide victory in March. The grand ceremony was held in the Kremlin's magnificent golden-hued St Andrew's Hall- the expression of a new confidence that oil- and gas-rich Russia now feels. Medvedev took an oath on a red-bound copy of the Russian constitution. Within hours of being sworn in, as per prior understanding between them, Medvedev nominated Putin, his mentor, as prime minister and put forward Putin's candidacy for prime minister to parliament which overwhelmingly approved former President. Putin has been appointed premier of Russia. The State Duma (lower house) voted 392-56 in favor of Putin, with only the Communists opposing him.

A leader who not only made a great impact on international scene, converted Russia into an economically strong country with surplus revenues, but, at the same time, also raised the Russian spirits lying very low for quite some time since the break-up the Soviet Union, Putin should take personal credit for the smooth transfer of power. One can argue comfortably that Putin only transferred his powers to his own hands through Medvedev.

Feeling the pulse of world critics focused on "democratic rights violations" in Russia, Putin took an apparent swipe at critics, saying Medvedev's election and the transfer of power were conducted in "strict adherence to the laws and principles of democracy." In a speech just before the vote, Putin told parliament that he would strive for "single-digit inflation within a few years" and Russia could overtake the UK in terms of GDP this year, becoming the world's sixth-largest economy. He wants to reduce the tax burden and widening the shareholder class were further priorities.

Under Putin, Russia's economy soared from near-disaster to astonishing prosperity. Russia’s major revenues are from sale of oil, weapons & technology and raw materials. Russia's economic boom has been driven largely by soaring world prices for its vast oil and gas exports. Concerns are high that the country is vulnerable to a downturn in commodities prices unless it diversifies its economy and expands its manufacturing and services sectors. Putin, in a short address to the crowd of Russian dignitaries and foreign ambassadors in the lavish hall, declared that when he became president in 2000, he had made a commitment to work openly and honestly, to faithfully serve the people and the state. And he said has fulfilled that pledge. Describing the handover of power as "a hugely important stage" for Russia, former Russian President said it’s extremely important to continue the course that has already been taken during his eight years in power and has justified itself.

Medvedev thanked Putin for his support set the right tone of future joint governance of Russian Federation by both, saying, "I'm sure it will be this way in the times ahead." Despite very little political experience and international diplomacy, Dmitry has moved into the Kremlin to become third president of one of the most important world powers with UNSC veto-facility, Russia, the top of the chain of command, father figure to the nation and Russian icon to the outside world. Putin, his mentor, has become prime minister and chair of the cabinet of ministers - a more technocratic role which involves managing the economy - and shouldering the blame when things go wrong.

President Medvedev has begun his work in the Kremlin which obviously houses the all-powerful authority of one of strongest nations of the globe. Russia’s most popular Putin whose approval ratings ranging between 80 and 90 per cent, has played an important role in Medvedev's presidential campaign, with both men featuring in an election poster alongside the slogan: "Together we will win." Destined to play a new role of a subordinate to his own junior favorite, Putin left the Kremlin on 08 May, and moved down the road to the building known as “Beliy Dom”, the White House, the government headquarters near the U.S. Embassy. In anticipation of his arrival, the prime minister's fifth-floor office overlooking the Moscow River has been renovated and its staff greatly expanded, symbolizing the upgradation of the office of Putin's Russian premiership.

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DR.ABDUL RUFF Colachal

Researcher in International Relations,

Analyst, Columnist & Commentator

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