Putin: I Have A Moral Right To Continue Wielding Influence

[Purveyor]

Source: Guardian UK

Vladimir Putin yesterday gave his strongest hint yet that he intends to stay in power in Russia after his term as president expires in next year, declaring that he had a "moral right" to maintain influence.
Putin said that if, as expected, his United Russia party wins a landslide victory in next month's parliamentary elections this would give him a mandate to carry on as the country's de facto leader.

He refused to explain how he intends to maintain his grip on power, merely saying that there were "various possibilities". Under Russia's constitution Putin, who was elected in 2000, is obliged to step down in May after two consecutive presidential terms.

But yesterday's remarks are the baldest affirmation yet that Putin has no real intention of resigning from politics. "If the people vote for United Russia, it means that a clear majority of the people put their trust in me and in turn that means I will have the moral right to hold those in the Duma and the cabinet responsible for the implementation of the tasks that have been set today," he said during a visit to the Siberian town of Krasnoyarsk.

"In what form I will do this, I cannot yet give a direct answer. But various possibilities exist," Putin said.



Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,,2210453,00.html

[Benhurst]

1. This is a bit bothersome,; but according to someone who has met with him,

he has a beautiful soul, so why worry?

[Teaser]

2. They use to call it "divine right"

.

[kimmylavin]

3. Hmmm...

Where have we heard this shit before?
And why does it feel prophetic?