Russian ruling party suggests Putin future role

MOSCOW, July 1 (Reuters) Russia's ruling party today suggested that President Vladimir Putin become its leader, a move that might allow him to retain control of the nation after stepping down from the presidency in 2008.

The president, however, made no immediate comment on a proposal reminiscent of party control in the old Soviet Union.

Putin, popular in Russia for the stability he has brought but accused in the West of blunting democracy, has repeatedly said he would not try to change the constitution to stand for a third term.

But he has indicated publicly he would retain some position of influence and seek to determine his successor.

Keen to promote a 'managed democracy', after the turmoil of the immediate post-Soviet years, Putin hailed the birth of the pro-government United Russia party in December 2001. The Kremlin sees it as the mainstay in a system of power where a handful of favoured parties dominate political life.

Enjoying vast official support, the party now includes 67 regional heads out of a total of 88, several ministers and over 300 members in the 450-seat lower house of parliament, the Duma.

''We would like to see that you continue being the national leader by determining the country's future with such a tool as a political party responsible for outlining national strategy,'' parliamentarian Martin Shakkum told Putin during the president's meeting with the United Russia Duma faction outside Moscow.

''United Russia could become such a party, being the largest, most influential and responsible political force of society,'' Shakkum added to what agencies called the rapturous applause of pro-Putin loyalists.

Russian agencies said Putin made no comment at all on the suggestion. It seemed likely the president, if he seeks to retain power in Russia after his term ends, would await reaction both domestically and abroad.

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