Russia's outgoing President Vladimir Putin's decision to lead the United Russia party is of great significance in terms of ensuring the country's continued development, analysts here say.
CONTINUITY OF DEVELOPMENT
Putin agreed Tuesday to lead United Russia after a party congress elected him as its chairman, three weeks before he hands over the presidency to his successor, Dmitry Medvedev.
As leader of United Russia, which controls the State Duma (the lower house of parliament), Putin will be able to determine the main parameters of Russia's development, said Martin Shakkum, chairman of the Committee on Construction and Land Relations in the State Duma.
With his new role, Putin "becomes de jure national leader of the country," he said.
Yevgeny Fedorov, chairman of the Committee on Economic Policy and Business Activities in the State Duma, said Putin's party leadership will ensure the stability of Russia's political system and the enforcement of the country's strategic national plans.
Meanwhile, Putin has taken another step toward consolidating democracy in Russia by fostering "horizontal political relations between the government, the State Duma and United Russia," Fedorov said.
As the party leader and prime minister in Medvedev's presidency, Putin is expected to usher in an entirely new political climate, which could help upgrade the Russian political system, analysts believe.
PUTIN'S STRATEGIES
The political and economic situation in Russia has changed dramatically in the past eight years, which has led Putin to believe that his policies are working.
He outlined a series of new development strategies for the country up to the year 2020 at a State Council session in February.
Chairman of the highest committee of United Russia, Boris Gryzlov, describes Putin's development plans as the basis of the party's political creed.
It is vital for Putin to head a party with a two-thirds majority in the State Duma to effectively implement his plans.
Smooth cooperation between the government and parliament will help boost Russia's economic growth, improve health care and education, and enhance defense capability, Putin said.
PARTY REFORMS
The United Russia amended its charter and created the post of chairman for Putin, who was not a member of the party but helped establish it in 2001.
The party won two-thirds of the State Duma's 450 seats in the elections in December.
Putin, for his part, vowed at the party congress Tuesday to reform the 2-million-member party, rid it of bureaucracy, make it more democratic and clear it of corruption.
United Russia has proved successful in steering Russia out of the crisis of the 1990s, Putin said.
"I am very certain that without United Russia's contribution to resolving these issues, there would be nothing today worth calling a positive achievement of the past few years," he added.
"One thing, and the main one, remains the same -- the people's striving for a decent life and freedom, for justice and prosperity," said Putin.
"It is our duty to achieve these goals in all possible ways. This is the essence of our joint work," Putin told the party's some 600 delegates.
Source:Xinhua
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