Russian Life: Medvedev Rules out Confrontation with Putin

While many in the west did not care for the style of Vladimir Putin, I thought him to be a fine leader. Giving Russia the strong guidance to pull itself out of the turulent 1990's and into the 21st century. When his second term ended and Medvedev as approached to become the President, I too was skeptical. Would Medvedev be just a place holder until Putin can legally run again? Or would he develop his own style of Russian politics and move Russia forward. In the beginning it appeared that he deferred power to Putin, as he became Prime Minister. Then, as we saw from time to time, he asserted himself and made bold decisions, occasionally chatising the PM and looking like a strong leader.

Sadly, I am not impressed by the Russian system in the past couple of weeks. Not so much as a debate or strong stance. It seems the the United Russia Party has picked their man again, and in the tradition of Russian politics, the outgoing President taps someone to replace him. It looks like it will be President Puting for the next four years.

Don't get me wrong, he's done incedible work for Russia and I do support him. But I also believe that it is time for Russia to move away from the traditional politicians that we've seen in the last century, and move towards a more European and democratic system. What ever the case may be, the next four years in Russia will be very interesting, and if history is any source, a little nerve wracking!