All eyes on Russia

By Ania B. Lewandowska

Russia has always been ruled by strong, authoritarian leaders, from Ivan the Terrible through tsar Alexander I, to Vladimir Putin. Now, with a new president, the power is about to be shared between two men.

Although many had expected Vladimir Putin to amend the constitution to allow him a third term in office, he moved out from the Kremlin. Commentators believe that with Dmitry Medvedev as a president it could be easier for Russia to warm up relations with the West. Mr Putin would still remain in charge, overlooking the economy and social services as a head of the government.

Welcome to Mr President
The mainly pro-Kremlin media in Russia have welcomed Mr Medvedev's victory. Izvestia newspaper said the vote was a "triumph of the majority" that created a "bridge to the future for Russia". But Western media wonder how the new president will work with his predecessor. In the West, Mr Medvedev is perceived as more liberal and a better face of Russia. Maybe this is the reason why he was designated as the third president of the Russian Republic.

The Western leaders congratulated Dmitry Medvedev, 42 year-old lawyer, on becoming Russia's new president but gave him rather cool welcome. Gordon Brown’s spokesman said that Britain would judge the new Russian government on its actions. In a letter to Mr Medvedev, Mr Brown said that he looked forward to meeting the new Russian leader at the G8 Summit in Japan in July. He added that Britain hoped to get Russia's cooperation "on a number of issues".

But, Tony Halpin, Chief of Moscow bureau of The Times said: “Mr Brown pointedly failed to invite Mr Medvedev to Downing Street, underlining the continuing strains over the murder of the dissident former spy Alexander Litvinenko in London and Vladimir Putin's refusal to extradite the main suspect to Britain.”

What’s next?
The Western world is yet to see if Russia will take a long-awaited, softer course in its foreign policy. Dr Alexandra Smith, lecturer in Russian at Edinburgh University, said: “Mr Medvedev is younger and belongs to a different generation altogether.” But Dmitry Medvedev vowed to continue the path which has been carried out by President Putin so changes are unlikely. "I think (my presidency) will be a direct continuation," he said, referring to Mr Putin's eight years in office.

Soon after being elected Mr Medvedev said: “We will increase stability, improve the quality of life and move forward on the path we have chosen.” According to Russian constitution the president defines Russia’s foreign policy, defence and security services, but Mr Putin’s influences are very likely to be reflected. Both politicians have known each other for years and declared harmonious relations. The question is if Mr Medvedev accepts to be the junior partner.

A teacher from Moscow, Nina Trufanova said: “Dmitry Medvedev has always been Mr Putin’s right hand; they have supported each other and probably will in the future. Russia is a huge country and needs a strong and consistent leader. Vladimir Putin knows what he is doing and has been taking care of our interests abroad. Russia has become more respected country and we hope that Dmitry Medvedev is going to continue that trend.”

Elections in Russian style
Mr Medvedev, was the clear favourite from the start and enjoyed generous coverage of the state owned television. The head of observers from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), Andreas Gross, said Russia's "democratic potential" was unfulfilled. The PACE was the only Western observer mission in Russia with only 300 international observers monitoring the 96,000 polling stations. The candidates had been denied equal access to the media, and registration procedures made it hard for independents to stand.

Dr Alexandra Smith said: “Mr Putin’s vision of managed democracy has a certain influence on the media and other institutions related to power structures and public opinion.” Nonetheless, Mr Medvedev, President Vladimir Putin's chosen successor, won a solid mandate from the majority of Russian people with a support of 70.23% of the votes.

The reality
Since Vladimir Putin came to power eight years ago, Russians, in general, have become wealthier and Moscow itself has been experiencing economic boom. The rapid economic growth in the country and pro-Kremlin media propaganda won millions of supporters for Mr Putin’s regime. But Vladimir Putin’s years in power have also been marked by a restriction of democratic freedoms and tough attitude towards Russia's former Soviet neighbours and the West.

Under Vladimir Putin, the security services have regained their former prestige, their budgets and numbers are now higher that ever. According to research by the Russian Academy of Science, quoted by the BBC, three quarters of senior politicians have a background in the security forces, including ex-president Vladimir Putin. No surprise that Russia is often called a police state. There are more than five policemen on every hundred people in the country. In Moscow the rate is even higher.

No doubt, oil-rich Russia has been going through a rapid economic growth and is one of the most influential players on the world’s political arena. But, there are serious questions to be asked about the democratic freedoms in the country. In terms of a future development and investment is Russia, Dr Alexandra Smith said: “More money should be given to education, health, science and culture.” The potential is already there, just needs to be recognized.