Ilya Graschenkov, the head of the Center for Regional Policy Development, said that the article published by former Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev might mark a start of his presidential campaign. In Graschenkov’s opinion, it is Medvedev but not Mishustin or Sobyanin, who is being prepared for a comeback to the Russian political Olympus.
At present, the attention of the Russians is fully focused on the upcoming voting on amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation, as well as on the Victory Parade, the military parade celebrating Nazi Germany's defeat, which was held on June 24.
Meanwhile, Dmitry Medvedev’s article that was recently published in the Russia in Global Affairs magazine, where he shared his opinion on the post-coronavirus future in terms of global politics, was practically unnoticed.
The article outlined the need for unity of all countries in the political and expert communities and the necessity for an early recovery of the world economy and for signing of agreements on non-proliferation of biological weapons.
In this article, the experts saw something bigger than Medvedev’s viewpoint. According to them, Dmitry Medvedev is gradually starting his presidential campaign, taking on a new role of a peacemaker and a sage from Russia. Analysts are confident that these four years in the run-up to the election might be enough to restore Medvedev's popularity rating, which is abysmally low after his tenure as Prime Minister.
Thus, Ilya Graschenkov, the head of the Center for Regional Policy Development, said in an interview with Deita.ru that the article published by Medvedev might mark a start of his presidential campaign. In Graschenkov’s opinion, it is Medvedev, not Mishustin or Sobyanin, who is being prepared for a comeback to the Russian political Olympus. According to Graschenkov, Mishustin and Sobyanin are likely to be completely removed from their posts.
“The shift towards China is an obvious and precise message in the article,” Grashchenkov said. “In general, it expresses sympathy for the latter country and criticism of the US. Medvedev calls for not using the COVID-19 pandemic as a political weapon against China and abstaining from demands for a ton of money from it. Previously, Medvedev was traditionally referred to as a liberal pro-Western politician. However, today, he has somewhat reformulated his position. In the article, a nod to China is an important sign for the Chinese party.”
He added that Medvedev currently retains the position of the successor No.1, the person who is “second after Putin” in Russia.
“Both Sobyanin and Mishustin have failed to beat Medvedev on the political scene,” said Graschenkov. “While Moscow Mayor and Prime Minister are desperately fighting for Putin's favor, Medvedev is calmly making plans for the future after the resignation.
Even Medvedev’s extremely low popularity rating among the Russians has started rising. It should be recalled that Medvedev still remains the leader of the “party of power” and an unspoken leader of the Russian liberals.
Medvedev’s message is very clear. He is trying to gather a new coalition of forces with pro-Western politicians, liberal oligarchs and part of the security forces, as well as gaining support from China.
“At the moment, I assume the following scenario is likely. Chances are the “lost” Mishustin will resign together with the government by the end of the year. “Embittered” Sobyanin might lose his post as Moscow Mayor. Then Dmitry Medvedev playing the role of the so-called “Neo-Gandhi” will come out on to the stage and run for the presidency. To my thinking, it is very likely that Medvedev is going to become the next Russian President.”