Analysts in Russia share but one common view that Dmitry Medvedev, the favored candidate in Sunday presidential elections, will walk along the route set by his mentor, President Vladimir Putin.
Nominated by the parliamentary majority United Russia party and endorsed by the popular President Putin, Medvedev is expected to win the election in a landslide, beating all the other three candidates with a large margin.
The former law professor, 42, has layout his roadmap for the country in social and economic sectors, but just a Putin's edition by pledging to improve the people's life, boost the economy, encourage innovation and eliminate bureaucratism, as well as large-scale corruption.
"I see Medvedev's stated goals as continuation of Putin's cautious, steady strategy," said Yelena Biberman, a foreign policy expert in the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, noting Medvedev's goals are ambitious and focused on modernizing Russia and making it globally competitive in fields besides oil, gas and weapons.
"As a close ally and supporter of President Putin, Medvedev took part in the drafting of most policies, even including blueprints set for 2020. He will undoubtedly stick to those directions pointed by Putin and himself," said Yakov Lomko, chairman of the Moscow-based Veteran Journalist Association.
Medvedev's foreign policy, following the stepping down of the hawkish-to-West President Putin in May, is still unclear. But such questions as how soft will Medvedev, a liberalist considered by most analysts, treat the United States and the West depend on how far he can walk away from his long-term boss.
"The world has become very familiar with Putin and his 'zhestky' style. So, Putin might play the 'bad cop' with the international community, while Medvedev will play the 'good cop'," Yelena said.
There are fundamental conflicts in the Russia-West relations which witnessed a downturn in recent years due to arrays of disputes ranging from gas price to missile shield.
However, Russia will cooperate with all the other countries, that also include the United States and Europe nations, Lomko said, noting cooperation will be the main theme of Russia-West ties.
Source: Xinhua
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