President Dmitry Medvedev on Monday added to the uncertainty surrounding Russia’s 2012 presidential polls, saying he wanted a second term but would not stand against powerful predecessor Vladimir Putin. With just nine months left before the March elections, neither Medvedev, 45, nor Putin, 58, have announced their candidacy amid warnings from businesses that the uncertainty was now hurting the investment climate.
In an interview with the Financial Times whose transcript was released by the Kremlin, Medvedev kept up the intrigue but also appeared to end speculation that he and Putin could both stand. “I will tell you one thing: I believe that any leader who holds the post of president simply must want to run,” he said. “Another issue is whether he will take this decision or not, this decision stands somewhat apart from his wishes.”
The interview appeared riddled with mixed messages, with the Kremlin chief saying Russia needed political competition yet expressing concern that running against Putin could hurt development. “The thing is that Vladimir Putin — both my colleague and old friend — and I still largely represent the same political force,” Medvedev said, adding that competing with his fellow Saint Petersburger would be “hard to imagine.” “In this sense, competition between us could in fact harm those tasks and goals we have been pursuing for the past years. Therefore probably this would not be the best scenario for our country and this concrete situation.” But he also added: “In the absence of political competition the foundations of a market economy are beginning to disappear.”
Medvedev wants new term, won’t compete with Putin
