| This contest is fueled by the following news: |
| | With less than three weeks left before the presidential election in Russia, President Vladimir Putin has fired the Prime Minister. The surprise act by Putin removes the last major holdover in the Russian leadership from the era of Boris Yeltsin. In the Russian government, the Prime Minister primarily is responsible for economic policy in the nation. In point of fact, the removal of the Prime Minister also resulted in the dismissal of the rest of the government ... although Putin can reappoint any of them that he so desires. The move is seen as bolstering Putin's authority and the power of those around him -- who are mostly former KGB agents. A complete makeover of the country's leadership is now expected. The Prime Minister was a staunch supporter of the business tycoons who many in Russia are disdainful of. The move in dismissing the Prime Minister is expected to increase the wide lead Putin already enjoys in pre-election polls.
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