The annual May 9th Russian military parade held particular symbolic weight this year as it seemed to point to Putin’s revival of the Russian Armed Forces and an increase in general Russian nationalism from his eight years in office as president. This year, however, it was Dmitry Medvedev who took over the office of President, as Putin switched roles to become Prime Minister. While initially Putin intiatilly supported Medvedev while he served as Deputy Prime Minister (not to mention that he served as Putin’s Chief of Staff), Medvedev in turn nominated Putin as Prime Minister.
The Red Square was flooded with people and colors and heavy armor and missiles paraded through the streets of Moscow at a cost that was estimated by the Moscow daily Moskovsi Komsomolets to be able to pay for 25 new nursery schools. Yet despite the fact that the parade was an opportunity to show the presence of the new president, it was Putin who dominated camera time—perhaps a habit from the past three years, or maybe a tribute to the belief that Putin will continue to be the driving force behind government policy.
With over 70%, Medvedev won a clear majority and was inaugurated on Wednesday, but outside monitors have criticized the election as unfair, criticizing the Kremlin of intimidating any opposition. But despite the fact that presidential power in Russia has expanded drastically in recent years under Putin, the new Prime Minister Putin himself recently said, “The Cabinet, headed by the Prime Minister, is the highest executive authority in the country.” While there may be a new leader, the power shifts with the individual, not with the office.
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