President Putin of Russia has made a dramatic televised address to the nation, in which he announced that he has dismissed his government.
The decision comes only weeks before a 14 March presidential election which Mr Putin is expected to win easily.
Mr Putin said he wanted to present Russian voters with his vision of the country's development after the election.
Russia's deputy prime minister, Viktor Khristenko, has been appointed acting prime minister.
What is your reaction to the decision? Send us your views.
This debate is now closed. Read your comments below.
The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:
Putin has consistently stated and his actions bear this out, that the people of Russia are his prime concern, and he will take measures to ensure opportunities for all. When you consider the legacy he inherited, he's done an amazing job. The Oligarchs and former members of Yeltsin's regime are not unlike the current batch of corporate wolves and special interest groups in the US for example, and the difference is Putin is limiting their influence in the future of Russia, instead of taking a golden handshake. Not only I'm not surprised Putin has taken this step, it should have happened sooner.
Alex, North Yorkshire, UK
Mr. Putin is the only reason/force which has stopped the loot of Russia's wealth. Mr. Putin has brought stability to Russia and now he is working to make Russia a super power again. If he dismisses the government I am sure some good for Russian people will come out of it.
Raj, USA
Somehow most of the people in the forum tend to miss Mr Kasyanov. May I ask why? The guy is surely tainted. The Russian constitution does not allow the President to change only the PM without dismissing the cabinet. This is a technicality; many ministers will get into the new government anyway. Do you think the previous government has delivered on reforms? Why miss them?
Mikhail, Tuebingen, Germany
Another clever move by Mr Putin. At last we will see an end to the 'Yeltsin Era', which brought this great country and nation to the brink of economic collapse. I also hope that Mr. Putin punishes those oligarchs by giving them harsh prison sentences for all of their wrong doings.
Bozhidar, London, UK / Sofia, Bulgaria Mr. Putin will make Russia again the superpower, I and more than 80% of people in my country are sure of it. We believe him.
Vik, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Let's have no illusions about Putin, his agenda or his commitment to anything resembling democracy. But Putin is safe as houses. Who will confront him? Internal critics are rightly struck with fear for their lives. The EU pretends he is a responsible and legitimate leader, likewise the US. We have betrayed Russia and the Russians in their efforts to create a democracy.
Glenn, Ottawa, Canada
Democracy is a pretty new concept in the former USSR. How could anyone think that they would be able to adjust so quickly? This process will take close to a generation to fully progress.
Carlton Batts, Highland Mills USA
 |  Putin does not have too much power; the new Russian state has too little  |
Putin does not have too much power; the new Russian state has too little. They have neither the international support to effect economic reforms nor the populist power base to keep the FSU stable.
Gershon, Edinburgh From what I understand corruption was running rampant within the Russian government anyway, so good riddance. Perhaps Putin was cleaning house, and putting some one who is trustworthy in place.
Dain, USA
I am Russian and I live in US. I have not seen any sign of democracy in the US. Probably there is some democracy in Germany or Western Europe but if Americans want to say that Russia is not ready to western democracy please also say when have you elected an independent president? Russia is only country that all western people prefer to blame. But please have a look at US and tell me where is democracy there ?
Stas, NJ/USA
Putin understands politics well. Neoliberal ideals do not work everywhere. This is why it is important to have leaders like him. Do you see democracy in Iraq or Afghanistan? I don't think a paper constitution or planted leaders exemplifies democracy. We need to realize that one model do not always fit all.
Odeyo Oloo, Los Angeles USA
Bravo! This is the right move that should have been done ages ago. Russia is finally purging itself from the remnants of the old, inefficient and criminal regime.
John, Washington DC, USA
| This is really a good sign of new Russian democracy which is so unpopular for the West |
This is really a good sign of new Russian democracy which is so unpopular for the West. The problem is that the contradiction between Russia and West (US and EC) are hidden in natural resources that we want to secure and West wants to obtain. So we will support Mr Putin in every effort aimed to secure our national interests. And this step is the one.
Roman, Moscow
What is the fuss about? Tony Blair ignores everybody including his MPs and Putin is dismissing a non elected body. Lets sort our house first and then we can look abroad.
Theo, London, UK
This is not a surprising move - rumours that Kasyanov might be removed used to appear monthly for three years past. The timing is indeed somewhat surprising, but it looks like Putin is trying to imitate the American system of electing President and Vice-President at the same time.
But the dismissal is indeed done in best Putinian fashion, without a word of warning. It isn't the best way to do it, and yet Putin's desire to have a more cooperative government is quite understandable and not really undemocratic per se - Bush wouldn't want Gore as Vice President, would he? And yet the fact that the Russian political landscape is being evened out is true, and worrying.
Pavel Iosad, Moscow, Russia
Is there any bearing that this move comes just as the Federation celebrates 'Defender of the Fatherland Day'?
Ralph, Rome, Italy
| Putin understands that Russia can have a worthy future only if they combine the realities of modern capitalism with long-standing cultural traditions |
Throughout the course of history Russia has followed a separate path from the West, and as such, she cannot be expected to function according to the same democratic principles as we are used to in this country. The development of a party system in Britain evolved over a period of hundreds of years. This cannot be imported overnight, and those who criticise Putin for turning Russia into some sort of dictatorship are missing the point. Democracy can develop only with peace and stability, and Putin understands that Russia's people can count on a worthy future only if they combine the realities of modern capitalism with long-standing cultural traditions.
Carl, Glasgow, UK All those who say that Russia is not suited to democracy are mistaken. Democracy, in various forms, has been shown to work in a huge number of different cultural settings. Russian society is far less different from western society, than is, say, Japanese. The reason democracy has been seen to fail in Russia is that it was imposed along with an unregulated capitalism by the IMF. The bungling of reform in Russia by Yeltsin, the IMF and the USA/UK/EU has led to many Russians associating democracy with poverty, chaos and inequality. That is a tragic pity for the Russian people and for the security of the world.
Roger, Cambridge, UK
The sacking of Kasyanov should not come as a surprise. Putin wants his victory in 2004 to be his victory and not that of the "family". Therefore his dismissal of Kasyanov, Voloshin and potentially foreign minister Ivanov, seems consistent with his dreams and aspirations for the 2004-2008 term.
Liam McKay, London
This is a very honest move, which is designed not to cling to the current high rating but to allow the voters to know what kind of policy they can expect. A stark difference from Mr. Yeltsin, who was juggling prime ministers for the only sake of leaving a "suitable successor".
Valentin, St. Petersburg, Russia
I find it very amusing that the Western media has targeted Putin for each and every 'controversial' things that happen in Russia. Where was this Western morality when the things were chaotic and corrupt under Yeltsin? The simple answer is that, the pragmatic and proud Russian leader has not allowed the West to dictate the terms in his country. I wish Putin was an Indian!
Hariharan S., Kochi, India As a student of Russian at University I find these latest developments worrying from a democratic point of view, but I'm not surprised. It's to move Putin's connections from the Oligarchs into the distance, a vote winner to the majority of the population.
Michael Jones, London, UK
Great move! Russia needs a strong leader who will bring the country out from the economic doldrums and depart from its shameful past of quasi-reforms, humiliations of all kinds, oligarchs etc. Russia needs--it is imperative!--to have a strong leader like Mr. Putin. Hopefully, we Serbs will emulate him in the future.
Milan Milanic, Serbia
President Putin has not sacked the entire government, but only dismissed the Prime Minister. The rest of the government then also has to resign, as per the terms of the Russian constitution. Most government members will no doubt be re-appointed. Putin has acted constitutionally and legally to remove a failing Prime Minister with questionable links to certain Russian "businessmen". We in the West should not be so quick to condemn what we do not understand.
David, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
I think it is a right and thoughtful move of Mr Putin to send a message to electorate that he intends to work in the next Presidential term with a new team. This is normal.
Shokhboz Asadov, Dushanbe, Tajikistan
He is obviously setting up for a return to autocracy. Russia is too vast and too poor to support itself, so what better way to strive through the use of oligarchs.
Connell McGinley, Dungannon, N Ireland I'm glad that Putin has made this decision. For too long Russia has been duped and cheated by West Europeans and the United States. The ideologies that come from those regions have done terrible things for Russia, and that includes especially communism. It's amazing that our intolerance is still incredibly high for Russia even though (at least for me) we see Russians in our everyday life.
Jim, US
It won't be long now before there are "spontaneous" calls by "the people" for Putin to assume the title of Tsar, which he will do, reluctantly of course. One year's progress, ten years' repression.
Oscar, Chatham Kent
It seems that Mr. Putin is using his dictatorship to keep power by controlling directly or indirectly the media, threatening his opponents, and firing his whole cabinet for the sake of one man "Mikhail Kasyanov" his main opponent. There is not doubt that Putin will win his election again on March 14th. My question how is he going to cope politically and economically with the EU when some of Eastern European countries become part of the EU?
Khalid, New York, US
Mr Putin has continued working to destroy any heritage of Soviet Union, as his predecessor Mr Yeltsin. In my view, the Russian Federation is in the hands of the "mafia", the opposite of democracy - see the Italian situation.
Giuseppe Michieli, Padova, Italy
| His actions exactly reflect the state of affairs in most Eastern European countries |
President Putin seems to run Russia towards of a far more inclusive democratic society than "western" countries are used to. He seems to want to build the basics of a democratic Russia with real, vivid competitive economy, with chances for wide, even poorer ranges of the society to take part in business competition. Russia might become the model of future stable democracies, if he succeeds. But such daring and shocking decisions put the question: Is he the 'Ace' of future Russia which will present immense chances to the 'little man' of the street to be a part of real, active business competition - more than anywhere else - or is he the devil himself? But for sure, his actions exactly reflect the state of affairs in most Eastern European countries, where corruption, theft, fraud, criminal involvement, mismanagement of finances are commonplace, in fact natural in the government, in the parliament, in the judiciary and in business and of course go unpunished
Anita, Hungary
My reaction? Complete apathy. I have enough domestic worries that directly affect me to worry about a nuclear superpower descending back into a hard line KGB run dictatorship that's only a 4 minute ballistic missile trip away.
Martin, England
Putin is probably the only leader of any democracy in the world who isn't afraid to do things that might make people unhappy, if our government actually had some backbone we wouldn't be in half the mess we're in now.
Dan , Bristol UK
Gerry says Russia is not ready for democracy. So what? Neither are many of the world's biggest and most successful nations. Why not just be autocratic? Lots of successful countries today are founded on election rigging disguised as a facade of democracy. In my view, governments of many of the largest nations rig elections to gain power. They are still big industrial players who stride forward and are broadly successful and wealth generating. Ultimately the country benefits which is the principal job of the government even if many of its citizens suffer huge life inequality and can't afford health care or a good education and where there human rights record thinks it is right and proper to execute people or hold people without communication or trial, incommunicado under the pretext of being prisoners of war. Wake up!
Phil Stevenson, London UK
This move shows that Putin has absolute power over the reins of power. It is very dangerous thing to leave so much power in the hands of one man. Has so little changed in Russia since the days of Communism? This is a sad day for democracy.
Mark Johnson, Windsor, UK
I'm surprised, but not astonished. Putin has to be seen to be a strong leader in order to be re-elected, and I think that he is the best of the bunch in Russia at the moment. Under him the oligarchs are more controlled, the economy is recovering, the people are getting their self-respect back (and that worries the American government) and things are generally under control. The Russian people would be unwise to throw that away for the Fool's Gold promises of other candidates.
Sarah Bowyer, Reading, UK
Before so called "Russian experts" start assailing Putin and erosion liberal/democratic values, they should talk to Russian people. Putin has the support of an overwhelming majority of Russian people and his decisions are extremely popular. Why would Russia want a Western (US) style democracy where elections are bought by big corporations? The Oligarchs tried to bring the same system to Russia and Putin is putting a stop to that. More power to him.
Shallom Moses, Glendale, USA Putin may have lost control over his agencies, and his only solution is to start over. This seems to risk the very fabric of the shift of Russian society to more representative government. This could be a disaster or a re-birth.
Allan Smalley, Houston, TX USA
I guess giving one man so much power over the government, the media, and the people could result in a non-democratic, politically biased country - but hopefully Putin won't take things as far as Bush in the USA. Only time will tell.
Paul, Czech Republic
Same old KGB - always subverting the will of the people. No one should be under any illusions as to who Vladimir Putin is - you don't get to be the head of the KGB by being a nice guy. Just looking at the Russian stock market after this announcement will tell you all you need to know about this decision.
Roger Morgan Freedlan, Whitwick England
L
| Constitutionally, Putin hasn't done anything wrong |
Looks like a smart move to get rid of Yeltsin-era anachronisms. And stop talking about dictatorship! Mr. Blair is no angel himself. Constitutionally, Putin hasn't done anything wrong, although it happened quite unexpectedly. Everybody keeps silent when government falls apart in Italy every other year.
Kirill, Moscow, Russia Putin have great support of Russia population, because he does exactly what most of the Russians want him to do, and he is exactly what Russia needs now, this is democracy.
Arman, Russia
It's about time. This action was long overdue. Mr Kasyanov and some crooked relics of the Eltzin had to go! And according to some comments here I would like to express my opinion: I do not want "American democracy", I do not want "British democracy". Look around - I do not believe your countries are democratic and therefore should not be set as an example to follow. We are a unique country and feel that you should not be an example to follow. We will have our own way, behind our president. Well done Vladimir!
IF, Russia, Moscow
President Putin knows Russia and Russian politics better than any of us who may be criticising or complimenting on the decisions he has made. We should know that politics begins at home not to be copied from a neighbour. Hence, if you want Mr Putin to copy the western democracy, please give him a break or you better be in Russia to learn more about the political climate over there.
Emmanuel Gonda, Canada/Sudan
Maybe the West can now stop pretending that Russia is democratic and see Putin for the authoritarian that he is.
Tom Matherq, USA
Good for Putin. It's a shame our government doesn't have the balls to act with such boldness.
Dave, England
| A good move by a thoroughly competent politician |
A good move by a thoroughly competent politician. Russians like strong character and decisions and this is likely to win him even more votes on March 14th.
Piotr, Praha, CZ
Many Russians seem very unhappy at the way that a few Russians have prospered to the detriment of the many, and support Putin's stance in this regard. Who are we, in the UK and US, with our flawed democracy and big business governments, to criticise. I am pleased to see a couple of US contributors to the forum show political savvy, unlike the others, who don't seem to realise that they are living under the most dictatorial government of the lot at the moment.
Dixie, England
Would anyone care to explain to me what does the dismissal of the Russian government have to do with the state Russian democracy? How many times did Yeltsin dismiss the Russian government?
Pavel Kors, Russia/USA
I'm puzzled as to why some previous posters declared this to be a "very sad" event. This is merely a way for Putin to put in place someone better suited for the job. There's no sinister reason behind it. It seems like you're looking for every possible excuse to criticize him.
Vlad Averbukh, New York, NY
I'm personally glad he just cut sharp and is ready to proceed after the next election with a better and more unified cabinet of ministers.
Masha Vysotskaya, Russian Bristol-bound student
| Why should Russia be ready for western democracy? |
Why should Russia be ready for western democracy? The original wealth of the "western democracies" was itself founded on colonialism, elitism and the genocide of other peoples. Surely the lesson is, get rich first and implement democracy when you can afford it.
Tim Kettley, Sweden
Nobody in Russia is surprised with dismissal of Prime Minister. Rumours and hints were abundant for almost a year. Let's first see new government and not just jump to the conclusion. Russian people are not idiots and can decide during the election whether to vote for Putin and his new government.
AK, Rotterdam, Holland
The Russian society would be ready for democracy if Russian and world leaders let them have it.
MB, Vienna, Austria
If our Head of State had the power, I wonder if she would perhaps be tempted to do the same as Putin every now and again! I guess our form of democracy does put the brakes on excesses as most power still remains with the people, as Governments and Prime Ministers discover at the polls.
Raymond Rudaizky, London, U.K.
| Putin has yet again proven that he will not shy away from drastic and visionary decisions |
Putin has yet again proven that he will not shy away from drastic and visionary decisions. His actual motives and the resulting effects remain to be seen. The west will be sceptical (as always with Russian politics), and yet the general Russian public see it as yet further and stronger assertions, that Putin will fight the peoples cause against the oligarchs, single-handedly if necessary.
Iain, London
It is funny how Europeans love to blame Americans for everything including Putin's dismissal of his own government (you would think we were gods). How ridiculous, take some responsibility for your own actions! Russia's Tsarist tendencies were not created by the evil American empire.
Stacey, New York, USA
Vladimir Putin is a brilliant man, and I would imagine he is doing what he thinks is best for the people of Russia. If they don't agree with him, they don't have to vote for him.
Jon Jannicola, NYC, USA
It looks as though the Soviet Union still lives. How is it that Putin can do this? Is he the only "elected" official in the government? Ridiculous.
Simon R., UK
Would anyone care to explain to me what does the dismissal of the Russian government have to do with the state Russian democracy? How many times did Yeltsin dismiss the Russian government?
Pavel Kors, Russia/USA
I'm puzzled as to why some previous posters declared this to be a "very sad" event. This is merely a way for Putin to put in place someone better suited for the job. There's no sinister reason behind it. It seems like you're looking for every possible excuse to criticise him.
Vlad Averbukh, New York, NY A good move by a thoroughly competent politician. Russians like strong character and decisions and this is likely to win him even more votes on March 14th.
Piotr, Praha, CZ
Why should Russia be ready for western democracy? The original wealth of the "western democracies" was itself founded on colonialism, elitism and the genocide of other peoples. Surely the lesson is, get rich first and implement democracy when you can afford it.
Tim Kettley, Sweden
| Russian people are not idiots and can decide during poll whether to vote for Putin and his new government or simply vote against everyone |
Nobody in Russia is surprised with the dismissal of Prime Minister. Rumours and hints were abundant for almost a year. Let's first see new government and not just jump to the conclusion. Russian people are not idiots and can decide during poll whether to vote for Putin and his new government or simply vote against everyone. Look who is opposing him?! Rybkin and Khokomada are real clowns whom populations either hate or disregard completely. We have to watch Putin but one thing is for sure he wants a strong Russia and will try to deliver his promises.
AK, Rotterdam, Holland The Russian society would be ready for democracy if Russian and world leaders let them have it.
MB, Vienna, Austria
Good on you Vlad in Moscow! How tiresome it is to read our Western ill-informed comments about a country which is clearly different in every respect to our own. What makes any action by Putin more worthy of criticism than the clearly suspect activities of our own PM, the US president or indeed any other leader? All leaders are corrupt, all systems are necessary but insufficient; like Vlad, all I can ever hope for is that we strive to elect the least corrupt individuals from the criminals and liars who want to run our countries!
Luke Phillips, Southampton, UK
Vladimir Putin is a brilliant man, and I would imagine he is doing what he thinks is best for the people of Russia. If they don't agree with him, they don't have to vote for him.
Jon Jannicola, NYC, USA
It looks as though the Soviet Union still lives. How is it that Putin can do this? Is he the only "elected" official in the government? Ridiculous.
Simon R., UK
To Vlad in Moscow: Well said. If this is how the Russian people feel, then maybe it is the best thing for Russia. I have always though highly of Putin, so if this is what he feels best, then who am I to say he is wrong?
Victoria, USA
He did the right thing - Russia needs strong leadership not corruption and muddle. In years to come people will look back and see Putin as having a strong hand guiding Russia back to stability and eventually prosperity and maybe eventually some form of democracy.
Martin, Saltash, UK
Gerry from New York seems to think that Russia's problem is that it is not ready for democracy. I think the main problem with Russia is that it was not ready for capitalism, and certainty not the form of gangster-capitalism that resulted from the naive privatising ideologues from the West. But that doesn't matter as long as the oligarchs and the West profit from Russia's dysfunction.
Lee, Lancs, UK
| I really thought that Russia was becoming more modern |
This is so sad. I really thought that Russia was becoming more modern - instead it looks like a return to the Dark Ages. So very sad.
Simon Lloyd, London
What Putin has done is what so called "leaders" have been doing from the beginning of human existence. If they do not get their way, they display their self-absorbed tendencies and commit "Unilateral Revolution". He isn't the first and he certainly won't be the last.
Gil, Hawaii, USA
It's a good move, when you don't know who has hidden agendas, get rid of the lot and get a fresh batch in.
Harry, London, England
I am worried, and my spontaneous feeling is one of the awaking "Russian Bear". The Russian people seem to want a clear authority as opposed to real democracy. Scary.
Bjorn K, Stockholm, Sweden
Should we really be surprised by anything that Vladimir "Ras" Putin does? The Russians had the czars, then communism...it's unlikely they will ever have democracy.
David, UK
It seems that many Americans are worried about the situation in Russia. Is it because they fear new competition in the world power stakes? Russian needs to be strong in this moment, to tackle their economy and their terrorist problem...and to protect their oil resources. After all, which country has the biggest intentions in the Caspian.. no guesses why the USA wants a weak Russia.
Ken Mugridge, Acireale, Italy
Behold the rise of the Red Empire, once again.
Miran, Geneva, Switzerland
Shame he couldn't dismiss our one too!
James, Dorset, UK
I have visited Russia, (my wife is Russian),regularly and have talked to locals about the changes they have experienced in the last 15 years there. Whilst they are happy to have more choice and freedom of expression (and to be able travel), they are not happy at the way in which a few have become impossibly rich whilst good people cannot even afford a basic standard of living. Perhaps if the American government had not forced Russia down such a rapid conversion to a market economy, we would not see so many of the shocking problems which exist today in Russia!
David (Brit in Finland), Helsinki, Finland
Putin is just the chief clown in the circus that is Russia's "government". Every move he makes (and his predecessor made) confirms my feeling is that Russia is doomed. I just hope we've disarmed them before they implode.
Mel, NYC, US
This decision to dismiss the (unelected, I might add) government is yet another positive step forward for Russia's revival. The challenge now is to fill the vacant government positions with energetic, reform-minded individuals with Russia's, and not their own, interests at heart.
Victor Buchman, London, UK
It seems the liberalization of markets and privatization of industries came about too rapidly in Russia. Where once Russia was ahead of China economically, the last ten years have completely reversed the roles of the two countries. Contrary to popular opinion, democracy and open markets don't go together very quickly. Putin seems to be on the path to do this. While many Westerners may deplore the lack of democracy in Russia, I am sure the Russian people will right now prefer stability and prosperity to chaos.
Alvin, Bethlehem, USA
This is a strange and wonderful system where the Government can be dismissed by one man. Surely the People should choose who governs. This system looks just as flawed as the one in Iran.
Keith, Rayleigh, England.
21st Century Russia is straining to expel the grey international ghosts of pre and post cold war USSR- Putin is a catalytic romantic with cast iron ethics and strength.
Ben Osborne, London, UK
I love him. He did the right thing.
Mr Okeke Andrew, Moscow , Russia.
This move reeks of desperation. But it is also puzzling. Is Mr. Putin, who stands to win and win big in the election, saying he is afraid of scrutiny?
Rohit Mahajan, Chicago US
| Putin is the best leader that Russia had for the last 50 years |
First of all, Putin will have to form a new government in a few week's time so I don't see anything extraordinary here. Secondly, he just utilized his constitutional right, so there is nothing illegal, "regressive" or "backward" here either. Thirdly, it will boost his rating even further, because the former prime minister is known to have connections with the hated super-rich oligarchs. And last but not the least, dear westerners, let me tell you that Putin is the best leader that Russia had for the last 50 years or so. Simply realize that we don't need your type of democracy, because here it immediately turns into chaos, anarchy and corruption. We are a special country and we'll have our own special kind of way.
Vlad, Moscow, Russia No great intelligence is required to decipher the message. He was going to win the Presidential election anyway; and now that the government has been dismissed, the election will become a referendum for reform. Whether that will be a genuine reform, or just fresh faces, is yet to be seen.
Armand Lorian, England
When the leader of any nuclear power makes such drastic changes without notice, it worries me. Even more worrisome is that he may have done this just to remove one man. If someone can dislike a Prime Minister to the point of sacrificing an entire cabinet to remove him from power, what else could they be capable of sacrificing to get what they want? Bush and Putin both seem to be strong-minded leaders, and both seem to be willing to sacrifice much in the way of foreign approval to get what they want. Very troublesome.
David Wolfe, Baltimore, USA
| This is an autocracy on the rise. Very worrying indeed |
Russia is rapidly turning into a dictatorship: businessmen are arrested at gunpoint for supporting opposing parties, opposition parties are denied TV airtime with which to campaign on an equal footing, and now the government is summarily dismissed to be replaced, I suspect, by ex-KGB cronies. This is an autocracy on the rise. Very worrying indeed.
David, London, UK It seems to me that Russia runs better under a form of dictatorship. The very infrastructure and social opinions of the ruling government do not seem able to have the capability to cope with the pressure of having a democratic society.
Jonathan Smithan, London, UK
Putin is doing exactly what he wants and is accountable to no-one. He controls all media in Russia, dismisses political opponents in highly unorthodox ways, gets rid of entire cabinets as he pleases... well, old communist/KGB habits die hard, don't they?
Raluca, Brit in the States
Interesting timing and yet such a simple political play to remove all the Yeltsin-era politburo cast offs that are left. Putin is a very shrewd man who will I am sure make a better and stronger Russia.
MS, London
Russian society does not seem ready for a western democracy. They seem to want firm control centralized in a single individual and Putin is capitalizing on this to create an autocratic, near dictatorial regime. For the Russians struggling to build their society this is very unfortunate. It represents a true regression toward the backward ways of the past and will leave them even further behind the western societies in terms of opportunities, standard of living and human rights.
Gerry, New York, USA
In response to "Gerry, New York, USA", I hope to goodness Russia is never ready for an American style "democracy", where corporate donations choose the president and those same corporations then decide policy.
Alex Walsh, St Albans, UK
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