Filed at 10:15 a.m. ET
MOSCOW (AP) -- President Vladimir Putin said Monday he would lead the dominant United Russia party's candidate list in December parliamentary elections and suggested he could later become prime minister.
The statements were the strongest indication yet of Putin's plans after he steps down as president at the end of his second term early next year.
Update:
This makes a lot more sense..
| Putin Signals Plan to Hold Onto Power |  |
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| Oct 1 10:56 AM US/Eastern | |
| MOSCOW (AP) - President Vladimir Putin said Monday he would lead the dominant party's ticket in December parliamentary elections and suggested he could become prime minister, the strongest sign yet that he will try to keep power after he leaves office.
Putin is barred from seeking a third straight term in the March presidential election, but has strongly indicated he would seek to keep a hand on Russia's reins. He agreed to head United Russia's candidate list in the December parliamentary vote, which could open the door for him to become a powerful prime minister leading in tandem with a weakened president. |
