A recent string of disputes between the Russian leaders has hinted at a growing rift in the so-called “ruling tandem,” even though it was Putin who steered Medvedev into the presidency in 2008.
On Saturday, long-term Putin ally and senate speaker Sergei Mironov suggested to the prime minister that the presumption of innocence for state officials should be abolished as a measure to fight graft.
Putin did not comment but the next day Medvedev’s camp weighed in with a sharp rebuke.
“We are surprised that the head of the Upper Chamber of (Russia’s) Legislature calls for measures which contradict...the Constitution,” a senior Kremlin source told Russian news wires.
“This strange suggestion of Mironov’s can...be explained by nothing else but populism and the desire to attract attention to his party,” the source added.
The criticism fits into a recent string of statements from Medvedev which can be seen as attacks on Putin and his allies.
The president scolded Putin indirectly for having used the word “crusade” in comments about the Western-led operation in Libya. He also has ordered the removal of ministers — including key Putin allies from the boards of state companies.
Analysts are divided on whether the latest remarks signal the start of Medvedev’s electoral campaign, or whether the two leaders are putting on an act to give the impression of real rivalry in a tightly controlled political system.
Russia will hold parliamentary elections in December 2011, and the presidential vote will follow in March 2012.
