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Dmitry Medvedev, born on September 14, 1965, is perhaps the most liberal and business-oriented official in President Putin?s administration. The International Herald Tribune is reporting that President Putin’s decision is expected to give a major boost to the economy.¹

A year and a half ago, Moscow bloggers had to go all the way to the Zoo to yell “Preved, Medved!” to the bears there. Today, they don’t even have to leave their computers - all thanks to president Vladimir Putin’s pledge of support to Dmitry Medvedev, first deputy prime minister and the likely 2008 presidential candidate.²

MOSCOW—On a stage in Moscow’s Kremlin Palace, Ian Gillan of Deep Purple was barefoot as he sang the British rockers’ celebrated track “Smoke on the Water.” Staid, suited men from Gazprom made up the audience—the concert was in honor of the Russian gas firm’s 15th birthday. And in the wings, yards from the group he has idolized since he was 13, was Dmitry Medvedev.³

Vladimir Putin spends his last day as Russia?s President. The inauguration of President Elect Dmitry Medvedev will take place on Wednesday, May 7. Speaking about his presidency, Putin said that he was an employee who provided services to the people.⁴

Putin ended years of speculation on Monday when he endorsed Dmitry Medvedev, a loyal top Cabinet official, as his favored candidate for the presidency. On Tuesday, Medvedev appeared on television sounding severe, much like Putin himself, and said he would appoint Putin prime minister after he steps down as president.⁵