Yesterday was a sad and at the same time,a happy day for me because yesterday,we saw the inauguration of the new Russian President,Dmitry Medvedev who was handpicked by his predecessor Vladimir Putin,now the Prime Minister,and with that,he brought an end to Vladimir Putin's eight years as president.
Medvedev has pledged to continue the policies pursued by Mr Putin,and there has been some criticism that Medvedev would just be a puppet to Mr Putin.However,in his inaugural address,Medvedev referred to civil rights issues several times,a possible indication that his presidency would take a different course from his mentor's.Under Mr Putin,Russia's economy soared from near-disaster to astonishing prosperity.But the role of civil society came under question,as opposition groups were marginalized and non-governmental organizations came under heavy pressure.Apart from that,the 42-year-old president,also pledged to fight endemic corruption,a problem that Mr Putin has been unable to stifle.
Here is an interesting fact that both of them differs from if you want to know.Like Mr Putin,Medvedev grew up in the Russian city of St. Petersburg.Both studied law and worked at the mayor's office.But unlike Mr Putin,Medvedev never served in the Soviet KGB.He pursued an academic career and became a professor of law before moving into business and politics.Both Medvedev and Putin have dismissed concerns the dual leadership will lead to conflict and instability.Mr Putin has also vowed to remain prime minister as long as he is needed.Term limits required him to give up that post after two consecutive terms.So whatever happen to him after that is anyone guess.Some analysts are saying that he sees the job as a transitional post,with some expecting him to retire from politics but other predicting he will someday return to the presidency,which I hope will be the case.The nomination of Mr Putin as prime minister is expected to be voted on Thursday in the parliament.
I really wish that Mr Putin could run as the president for another term but at least he will become the new Prime Minister so I won't be missing him too much.I think it has been a tough 8 long years for Mr Putin but somehow rather,he managed to turn things around.No one would argue that he has done a great job in improving the economy although the problem with the civil rights movement is still prevalent and Im sure the new president,Medvedev will have to face with the similar problem as well,but he has said he will try to improve the situation,which is a good sign.Many critics have argued the fact that democracy in the country is lacking,but I have to disagree with that.Maybe I am wrong because I dont live in the country,but I think the people there are very contented with how the country is govern which is the most important thing.
If you still remember during the elections,which Medvedev won with just over 70 percent of the votes.,there was a lot of anger unhappiness from the opposition groups because they thought the Kremlin had tried to fix the result which I dont think they did.The problem I find most interesting in Russia is that whenever there is a decision made against the opposition groups or when a reporter is kill for reporting on anti Kremlin stories,they are always to quick to point out their fingers at the government which I dont think is right either.Fortunately,the majority of the people prefer to stick to the government instead.I really doubt that Medvedev would follow Mr Putin's policy most of the time,there will be some changes here and there and I dont think their relations will change if that happens.Medvedev has the full blessing of Mr Putin,and I am sure he wont disappoint him or the Russian people.Only time will tell.
Long live Prime Minister Putin and All Hail the new President,Dmitry Medvedev!
*This report is taken from CNN and Associated Press.
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