Putin will step down as United Russia chairman

President-elect Vladimir Putin tried to distance himself from the ruling United Russia party yesterday, announcing he was stepping down as chairman.

Keen to protect his own ratings which are higher than those of a party discredited by accusations of fraud in its parliamentary election victory in December, Mr Putin proposed outgoing president Dmitry Medvedev as its new leader instead.

“In line with political practice here, the president stands above parties,” Mr Putin told the leadership of United Russia, describing the head of state as “a consolidating figure for all political forces in the country”.

“In this regard, after the inauguration in May, I deem it necessary to step down as chairman.”

The prime minister, who will be sworn in as president on 7 May, suggested that a party congress in the second half of May should elect Mr Medvedev as the new chairman.

Mr Putin, 59, has also said that Mr Medvedev, a long-time ally, will become prime minister.

“Since Dmitry Anatolyevich led the party in the State Duma election campaign, and since I will recommend him for the post of prime minister, I believe it is right for him to head the party as well,” he added.