Friday, September 30, 2011

Outgoing Russian President Medvedev Admits Putin Is More Popular Than I Am

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev (left) and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. Radio Free Europe

Dmitry Medvedev: 'Putin Is More Popular Than I Am' -- The Guardian

Outgoing Russian president denies political rivalry with current prime minister, claiming he was happy to step aside.

Russia's outgoing president, Dmitry Medvedev, agreed to step down because he believes Vladimir Putin is more popular, he said.

"I note that prime minister Putin, without a doubt, is currently the most authoritative politician in our country," Medvedev said in an interview to the country's three state-run television stations. "His rating is slightly higher."

Medvedev has been the target of ridicule in Russia since Putin announced he would return to the presidency next year. The interview is to be aired on Friday but a transcript was pre-released by the Kremlin. Putin has said he will make Medvedev his prime minister.

"My main ambition is to be of use to my country and my people," Medvedev said.

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More News On Russian President Medvedev's Reasons For Not Running For The Presidency

Medvedev Defends Plan to Trade Places With Putin -- New York Times
Medvedev said he cedes presidency bid to Putin because he is more popular -- CNN
Russia's Medvedev defends Putin swap plan -- Reuters
Russia's Medvedev Says Putin Is More Popular -- Radio Free Europe
Vladimir Putin is more popular than me, says Medvedev -- BBC
Medvedev turns to TV to shore up authority -- Financial Times
Russia's Medvedev: Putin Is More Popular -- NPR/AP
Medvedev Loses Temper After Giving Up Kremlin -- Wall Street Journal

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