MOSCOW – Russian President Vladimir Putin said yesterday that at least five people have a chance of succeeding him in March elections and named his newly confirmed prime minister as a potential contender.
“People are talking about at least five people who have a real chance of getting elected as president of Russia in March 2008,” Putin said yesterday on a visit to the southern resort of Sochi, in comments broadcast on state-run television.
Referring to new Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov's possible bid for the presidency, Putin said: “If another real candidate emerges, this means the citizens of Russia will have a choice” of candidates.
Zubkov won lawmakers' approval in Moscow yesterday to become prime minister. Putin praised Zubkov as a “true professional.”
He did not name the other potential candidates.
Putin surprised Kremlin watchers Wednesday by naming Zubkov, a low-profile financial regulator who turns 66 tomorrow, as premier.
Analysts said the move was part of a strategy by Putin, 54, to wield power after he steps down after the March elections.
Analysts suggested to The New York Times that Zubkov might be a caretaker figure who could become president and remain loyal to Putin, allowing Putin to return to office after stepping down.
Putin is barred by the constitution from serving a third-consecutive term, but would be eligible to run again in 2012.
Deputy prime ministers Sergei Ivanov and Dmitry Medvedev are often mentioned as potential successors.
Analyst Sergei Markov named acting Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Naryshkin, OAO Russian Railways chief Vladimir Yakunin and lower house of parliament speaker Boris Gryzlov as potential candidates.
Putin has said that when the time is right he will indicate who he endorses as his replacement, and his huge popularity means that person is almost assured of victory in the March 2008 presidential election.
