DPA

MOSCOW RUSSIAN president-elect and Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Tuesday nominated President Dmitry Medvedev as his successor to lead the country’s ruling political party, in a widely-anticipated move.

Medvedev should lead the United Russia political party list and serve as Russia’s next premier once he steps down as president, Putin told party leaders in Moscow.

“I think this would be the right thing to do,” Putin was quoted by Interfax news agency. “We have a tradition in this country, that the President is an official unaffiliated with any party.” Putin has been practically unchallenged as the final decision- maker in United Russia since its 2001 inception, according to political observers.

It is almost certain that the rank and file of United Russia will support Putin’s suggestion that Medvedev become the next man to lead the party.

Medvedev’s bid to become prime minister would need to be approved by parliament.

United Russia currently holds a strong majority in the legislature, which will begin debate on Medvedev’s candidacy on May 8, Interfax reported.