Dmitry Medvedev, Vladimir Putin's hand-picked successor, became Russia's new President on May 7. Domestic and foreign policy issues require his immediate attention.

Dmitry Medvedev, chairman of the state-owned energy monopoly Gazprom, officially became the third President of the Russian Federation on May 7, 2008. Medvedev is the hand-picked successor to Vladimir Putin, who held the office for the previous eight years.

Presidential Inauguration

Medvedev took his oath of office in front of approximately 2,000 VIPs in the Kremlin’s Andreyevsky Hall. Vowing to promote freedom and the rule of law, and promising to combat corruption, Medvedev stated, "I believe my most important aims will be to protect civil and economic freedoms; We must achieve a true respect of the law and overcome legal nihilism, which seriously hampers modern development."

Following the inauguration, Medvedev accepted the government’s resignation and immediately nominated Vladimir Putin for the office of Prime Minister. The State Duma approved the nomination on May 8, by a vote of 392-56.

Putin’s Legacy and New Role as Prime Minister

As his last presidential act, Vladimir Putin spoke about his accomplishments during the past eight years, including keeping his promise to safeguard Russia’s interests. He then called for support for the continuation of his policies and the new President.

Putin said, “It is extremely important that we continue the course that has been taken and has justified itself, while prioritizing the interests of citizens ... Over the past eight years we have accomplished a breakthrough that enables us today to map out tasks and plans, not for the next month, but for 20-30 years ahead. We have set ambitious goals and I am absolutely confident that we can achieve them.”

As Prime Minister, Putin will maintain a major role in ruling the Russian Federation and continue to wield a strong influence over the country’s policies for many years. What many Russians wonder is whether Putin will follow Medvedev’s new policies or if Medvedev will follow Putin’s policies.

Changes to Gazprom Leadership

Honoring Russian law that prohibits the President from occupying another post, Medvedev has stepped down as Gazprom’s chairman of the board. Chief executive Alexei Miller will step in as acting chairman of the world’s largest gas producer until the annual shareholders meeting on June 27. Experts anticipate outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov will be elected as the company’s next chairman at that meeting.

Immediate Expectations

Early in his administration, Medvedev is not expected to make any rash decisions. During the campaign, he promised to continue the political course set by Putin. With Putin as Prime Minister, Medvedev can maintain the status quo and ease into more pressing matters.

Domestic issues such a a rising inflation rate and an ongoing liquidation crisis in the banking sector should be high priority matters requiring immediate attention.

Another key priority for Medvedev will be foreign policy. The new President needs to quickly define his stance on Russia’s relations with both the United States and European Union.

Medvedev also cannot ignore the existing crisis in Georgia and the breakaway provinces Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and is expected to continue Putin’s policy in that region.

In contrast to Putin’s perceived toughness, Medvedev is seen by many as potentially soft and vulnerable. Though Medvedev may initially lean on Putin for guidance, to be successful, he will need to adopt a tough outer skin, separate himself from Putin and show the entire country and the world who is Russia’s new leader.

References

Blomfield, Adrian. “Dmitry Medvedev becomes president but Vladamir Putin stays centre stage.” Telegraph Media Group. May 7, 2008.

Gutterman, Steve. “Russian parliament confirms Putin as prime minister.” Associated Press. May 8, 2008.

Krivyakina, Elena. “President Dmitry Medvedev: His first 100 days in office.” The Komosol Truth. May 7, 2008.

“Miller Takes Up Medvedev’s Post.” Reuters. May 8, 2008.

Osipovich, Alexander. “President Medvedev Stresses the Law.” The Moscow Times. May 7, 2008.

Radyuhin, Vladimir. “Medvedev vows to promote freedom, rule of law.” The Hindu. May 8, 2008.