Medvedev (left), will have to lean on Putin (right) until he builds his own team. Photo by doxa.ru
Russia's outgoing president Vladimir Putin has backed one of his closest allies, first deputy PM Dmitry Medvedev, to succeed him at next year's presidential polls.
"As far as Medvedev's nomination is concerned, I have known him very closely for more than 17 years. We have worked very closely together all these years, and I completely and utterly support this choice," Putin said on national TV.
Medvedev, 42, is part of the close group of Putin's associates, all of them hailing from St. Petersburg. He has previously acted as Putin's chief of staff and ran his first presidential campaign in 2000.
He is now in charge of healthcare, housing and education in the cabinet, but is also serving as chairman of state-owned gas giant Gazprom.
The pro-Putin United Russia and Just Russia parties, as well as two smaller parties have already endorsed Medvedev's nomination.
Putin is forbidden by constitution from running for a third term, but he remains immensely popular and his high approval ratings make Medvedev an instant favourite to win the polls.
The outgoing president himself has given clear signs he does not mean to quit politics once his term is over and has hinted he might be taking over as prime minister and continue playing an important role in Russian politics.
Monday's announcement puts an end to years of speculation and the hopes of prime minister Viktor Zubkov, 66, and first deputy PM Sergei Ivanov, 54, to succeed Putin.