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After the announcement of Vladimir Putin that his preferred successor is Dmitry Medvedev, who is currently Russia's Prime Minister, the latter stated that he wants Putin to take his place as the future Prime Minister. Medvedev outlined that as the PM of the future government Putin will be able to guarantee stability in the country.

Experts consider that the move of Mr. Putin from the post of Russia's president to the country's Prime Minister is a way to keep his influence after offering his place to the successor. This could happen, of course, only in case Medvedev wins the elections in March next year.

"Expressing my readiness to stand as a candidate in the presidential election, I ask him (Putin) to agree to head the government of Russia after the election of the new president. It is not enough to choose a new president, who can divide up all those responsibilities. It's no less important to preserve the capable team formed by the current president." stated Medvedev in a short televised address.

It is worth mentioning that the support of Mr. Putin significantly increases the chances of Medvedev to becoming the president. Interesting to note that currently Medvedev is not only the first deputy prime minister but also the chairman of Gazprom, which is a powerful state-owned gas company.

Vladimir Putin looks forward to step down in 2007 in line with a constitutional ban on more than two consecutive terms for the heads of the state. However, Putin mentioned that he looks forward to maintain certain influence after leaving the presidential post, which is why analysts consider that Vladimir Putin will probably be the real power behind the administration of the future president.

Medvedev stated that his nomination for the president of Russian Federation was connected to the need of continuing the policies started by Putin, these policies leading to greater respect for Russia worldwide.

"Russia is different now, much stronger and better-off. We are being respected and we are being listened to. We are not being treated as schoolchildren," stated Medvedev.

On Tuesday the prime minister paid a visit to the parliament to have a meeting with the four parties that support his presidential candidacy, among them being the United Russia, a powerful party that currently controls the chamber.