Putin has ‘greater’ political authority in Russia: Medvedev

“For some reason no one is talking about this. But in fact these are very practical,very important things that any politician should take into account if he wants to benefit his country,” the President was quoted as saying in explanation to his last week’s announcement about not seeking a second term.

At the ruling United Russia’s pre-election convention,Medvedev had said that he would take over as Prime Minister if his party wins the polls.

In his interview to the TV channels,he reminded that US President Barack Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton,both belonged to the Democratic Party and both had presidential ambitions. “But they took the decision,depending on who could bring a better result. We (with Putin) also did the same,” Medvedev underscored.

Medvedev said it was now up to the voters to decide.

“Any politician can lose an election,along with his or her political party. In our country’s history,as well as other countries,that’s what’s happened more than once. Anything may happen. There’s nothing predetermined. That is what democracy is about,” he said.