Medvedev Announcement

Guide Note

Vladimir Putin officially endorsed Dmitry Medvedev as his presidential successor on December 10, 2007. Medvedev was not only Putin's First Deputy Prime Minister, but has reportedly been a close friend of the president for years.¹

Fast Facts

1. Official announcement made on December 10, 2007
2. Medvedev's selection had been rumored for months
3. Putin was nearing the end of his second term as President of Russia
4. Russian Constitution limits presidents to two terms
5. Medvedev was previously Putin's First Deputy Prime Minister
6. Endorsement made Medvedev extremely popular in the upcoming 2008 presidental election
7. Medvedev won election by a landslide

Dmitry Medvedev came from a mostly academic background and lacked significant experience in national government. Putin's endorsement aided in Medvedev's successful campaign in the 2008 presidential election. Medvedev won over 70% of the popular vote, defeating the runner-up by more than a 50% margin.²