Putin sees Medvedev as successor

Mr Medvedev describes himself as pragmatic and business-friendly Russian leader Vladimir Putin has backed First Deputy PM Dmitry Medvedev to replace him as president next year, Russian media report. "I fully support this candidacy," Mr Putin was quoted as saying. Mr Medvedev was nominated by Mr Putin's United Russia Party and three other pro-Kremlin parties on Monday. Mr Medvedev was previously Mr Putin's chief of staff and is chairman of the gas giant Gazprom. He hails from Mr Putin's native St Petersburg. The 42-year-old former lawyer managed Mr Putin's election campaign in 2000. As first deputy prime minister he has overseen national programmes in the areas of health, housing and education. He has long been a significant player in Mr Putin's group of close associates from St Petersburg. The BBC's James Rodgers in Moscow says the overwhelming support for Mr Putin in Russia makes Mr Medvedev likely to win the presidential election next March, once his nomination is made official. Fellow First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov had also been seen as a strong potential presidential candidate. Under Russia's political system the president enjoys far-reaching powers, including the appointment of regional governors. Earlier this month United Russia won the parliamentary election by a wide margin, and Putin supporters will dominate the new parliament. Mr Putin has made it clear he will retain a significant national leadership role after he leaves office at the end of his second term.