Putin backs Medvedev as United Russia party's candidate

December 10, 2007

Today, Dmitry Medvedev was named the candidate for of Russia by the ruling party, which holds majority in the newly-elected State Duma, the lower parliament of Russia.

Medvedev, who is the current deputy prime minister of the and the chairman in the board of directors of, was also backed by three other parties and by the current president Vladimir Putin. This means the highly anticipated decision about the supposed successor has been announced.

"I have known him for more than 17 years, I have worked with him very closely all these years, and I fully and completely support this candidacy," Putin said. "We have the chance to form a stable government after the elections in March 2008. And not just a stable government, but one that will carry out the course that has brought results for all of the past eight years."

The declaration was unofficial: the formal nomination is expected on December 17, during United Russia's party conference.

The is scheduled to be held on March 2, 2008.