Medvedev defends Putin swap

Russian president Dmitry Medvedev has defended his decision not to seek a second term, clearing the path for Vladimir Putin’s return to the post, but insisted voters would have the final choice.

He told Russian television that they both shared the same goals but that Mr Putin had broader public support.

“Putin undoubtedly is the most authoritative politician in our country, and his ratings are higher,” he said. “Having such positions, should we quarrel and swear at one another?”

Mr Medvedev and Mr Putin, the current prime minister, announced last weekend that they would swap places. Mr Putin stepped down in 2008 after eight years as president due to a term limit but is certain to win March’s presidential election.

The opposition has denounced the swap as a show of contempt for democracy. “An honest and respectable vote count is impossible,” Communist Party chief Gennady Zyuganov said.

Mr Putin will now be eligible to serve 12 years as president, potentially staying until 2024.