Who is Putin rooting for to be the next President?
September 16, 2007

The recent sacking of the Russian Prime Minister, Mikhail Fradkov, was perhaps less of a surprise than President Putin's choice to replace him. Fradkov was also an unusual selection when he was appointed to the position, and his profile has been so low he was almost invisible.

Fradkov's replacement, Viktor Zubkov, is virtually unknown to the public, but has a pretty tough reputation, especially in combating money laundering, and is without question a strong player on the Putin team. He was approved by the State Duma, the lower house of Parliament 381-47.

Zubkov has indicated that he might enter the presidential race next year and join five other potential candidates: Sergei Ivanov (first deputy prime minister), Dmitry Medvedev (also first deputy prime minister), Sergei Naryshkin (deputy prime minister), Vladimir Yakunin (president of Russian Railways) and Sergei Chenezov (head of Russia's arms exports).

By all accounts, Sergei Ivanov, who has been the favorite to become the next president, wasn't too disappointed about Zubkov being made Prime Minister, suggesting that this move is simply to give the impression that others have a chance. Personally, I believe Ivanov will still be the next president.

However, it has also been suggested that President Putin might return at a later date. Whilst the constitution does not allow him to stand for a third term (and he has made it clear he won't change the rules to do this), he can become president again in 2012 if he wishes, or sooner if the new president should stand down for any reason. Zubkov's loyalty to Putin, and his age, could make this a real possibility.

Does Putin plan to make an early return, or is this just a game to make us believe that Sergei Ivanov is not a foregone conclusion? We will probably have to wait a little longer to find that out, when Putin endorses his personal choice (maybe early next year).

With more than 70 percent of the country supporting Vladimir Putin, it is important to choose a candidate that will continue in the same style, and maintain the stability and growth that Russia has enjoyed since Putin came to power. The president has already said that he will continue to play a political role after he steps down, and this will be of some comfort to the public and investors in Russia.