Russian President Dmitry Medvedev proposed Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to run for president in next year's election at the annual congress of the ruling United Russia party on Saturday.
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev proposed Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to run for president in next year's election, ending months of speculation over which man would run for the post
Speaking at the annual congress of the ruling United Russia party on Saturday, Medvedev said he was ready to make way for Putin and do "practical work in the government."
Earlier, Putin told the congress that Medvedev should top the party's list of candidates in parliamentary elections on December 4.
"Given the offer to head the party list and engage in party work, and given a successful run at the elections... I believe that it would be appropriate if the congress approved Vladimir Putin's candidacy for the post of the president of Russia," Medvedev said to a prolonged standing ovation at Moscow's gigantic Luzhniki sports complex.
Putin took the floor after the announcement to address concerns over population decline and unemployment.
"I want to thank you for the positive reaction to the proposal for me to run for Russian president," Putin said. "For me this is a great honor."
The premier said he had "no doubts" Medvedev would form a "new, effective, young and energetic" cabinet when he headed Russia's government and "continue his work on modernizing all aspects of our lives."
There had been intense speculation that Putin may seek a return to the Kremlin when elections are held in March next year. Both Putin, 58, and Medvedev, 46, have said they could stand for president, but ruled out running against each other.
Medvedev said he would be ready to take over from Putin as prime minister if United Russia were to win in the December polls.
The congress unanimously approved Medvedev as the head of the party's list of candidates in December parliamentary elections.
