Vladimir Putin agrees to head Russia's ruling party
Vladimir Putin will become Russia's prime minister in May
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Tuesday, 15, Apr 2008 02:23
Vladimir Putin has agreed to become the chairman of the ruling United Russia party.
Mr Putin is due to step down as Russia's president in May when he will hand over to Dmitry Medvedev.
The president told party delegates today "I accept the invitation of the party" and confirmed that he would become Russia's next prime minister.
The United Russia party controls two-thirds of the seats in Russia's parliament and commands considerable power.
Mr Medvedev meanwhile has declined to join United Russia, claiming it would be "premature", a move backed by Mr Putin.
"I do not believe it is sensible for a head of state, wherever his political affections are, to lead a party. Here I fully agree with Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev," Mr Putin said.
"As for the chairman of the government [prime minister], a situation in which the head of the executive branch leads a party is a civilised and natural practice that is traditional for democratic states.
"Coordinated work between the government and the parliamentary majority allows us to successfully resolve the tasks of developing the economy, enhancing the quality of healthcare and education, raising the income of the population and strengthening the country's defence," he added.
Mr Medvedev is due to be sworn in as Russia's next president on May 7th after winning a landslide election in March.