Mother Russia Says Hello To The New Boss -- Same As The Old Boss
MayorBob.
Posted to Politics on Mon Mar 03, 2008 at 03:05:01 PM EST (promoted by port1080). RSS.
The voting's over in Russia and the expected outcome was announced. Dimitry Medvedev garnered 70 percent of the vote and will replace Vladimir Putin as president in May. Very few claims of voting irregularities were heard. While Putin and Medvedev turned on the effusiveness to celebrate Russian democracy much of the world hoped that a new face in the Kremlin might mean more cordial relations.
Domestically people did voice their concerns about the election and were met by riot police. They believe the elections reveal more about the fragility of Russian democracy rather than its strengths. Opponents note that the two strongest opponents were kept off the ballot. The three opponents on the ballot were a Communist, a rabid nationalist, and a liberal generally regarded as a puppet of Putin's. All three were not allowed to debate Medvedev during the campaign.
The rest of the world seems to be hopeful that Medvedev's election might be a harbinger of a softer Russian approach internationally (after all he doesn't have those KGB ties that bind the way Putin does). This might be a pipe dream. The perceived Russian hardening all occurred during the eight year rule of Vladimir Putin. Widely regarded as a man who rescued Russia, Putin is also a man who is no hero to those place great stock in human and civil rights. He also recently revealed a more assertive face to the West regarding Russian homeland defense. Medvedev lost no opportunity while on the campaign trail vowing he would continue on the groundwork laid down by Putin. It's not like Medvedev will be wanting for having someone around to check up on the job he'll be doing. His Prime Minister for at least the next four years will be Vladimir Putin.
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