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British press predicts Putin two more presidential terms

The British press regards as predictable the decision by Russian premier Vladimir Putin to nominate his candidacy for the presidential post with support from the present head of.....

LONDON, September 25 (Itar-Tass) — The British press regards as predictable the decision by Russian premier Vladimir Putin to nominate his candidacy for the presidential post with support from the present head of state Dmitry Medvedev and predicts two new presidential terms for Putin.

British newspapers note on Sunday that Putin remains the most popular Russian politician and suppose that he will conduct liberal reforms and support business in the period of his new presidency.

The Financial Times writes that it looks now probable that Vladimir Putin will take the presidential post during two six-year periods: he will be in power for nearly a quarter of a century. The newspaper adds that he came to the Kremlin in 2000. He remains the most powerful political figure in Russia, it adds, despite the fact that he did not hold the presidential post for four years.

It is echoed by The Times newspaper: Vladimir Putin can now rule for two terms, whose duration will amount to 12 years – till 2024. His announcement put an end to months of uncertainty, the newspaper continues, though most analysts supposed that Putin would come to the Kremlin again.

The Daily Telegraph notes that Putin’s return creates a prospect for his stay in power till 2024 (he will be 71 at that time). Putin’s return to the post he already occupied twice (from 2000 to 2008) is not surprising. However, most analysts believed that he would make a showdown no earlier than at the year-end,” the newspaper writes.

The Daily Telegraph stresses that despite the fact that he is often demonized in the West, he remains a really popular figure in his country. He is merited for restoration of national pride and economic health of Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 that undermined its forces, the newspaper goes on to say.

The Times adds that Putin ran the country in the period of the economic boom during the first two terms when incomes from oil and consumer expenses of Russians were on the rise. However, difficult times are now in store for Russia after the global financial crisis, while oil prices slip down, and state outlays top incomes, the newspaper believes.

The Financial Times says that according to analysts, Putin will continue liberal economic reforms, started by Dmitry Medvedev, including privatization.