Putin steps down as head of ruling party

Russia’s ruling United Russia party suffered another of several blows to its reputation in 2011 and 2012 after Vladimir Putin, Russia’s prime minister and president-elect, announced on the 24 April 2012 that he was stepping down as chairman.

The move was probably aimed at least in part at distancing Mr Putin from the party’s falling fortunes.

ESO: Background information: Medvedev criticises United Russia practices / Medvedev attack puts focus on party consensus http://www.europeansources.info/record/medvedev-criticises-united-russia-practices-medvedev-attack-puts-focus-on-party-consensus/

Wikipedia: United Russia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Russia

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