Vladimir Putin Sent by God
The Kremlin's top political adviser has proclaimed Vladimir Putin was sent to Russia by God. Vladislay Surkov believes Putin was sent by God to help deal with its troubles in the early post-Soviet era.
According to the Interfax news agency, Vladislay Surkov, the first deputy administration chief, said on Chechen television “To be honest, I think of Putin as a person who was sent to Russia by fate and the Almighty at a difficult hour.”
Surkov is seen as one of Putin's closest allies and is currently serving under the administration of President Dmitry Medvedev. Putin is currently serving as prime minister. Neither Medvedev or Putin have confirmed or denied if they are running in the upcoming presidential elections, which have been slated for March 2012.
Putin remains one of the most-liked and popular presidents in Russia’s history. Many of his supporters have gone to extreme lengths to reveal their support. Aside from a small group of women believing Putin is the reincarnation of the Apostle Paul, other fans have made him the hero of pop songs, the name of a brand of vodka, and even named a Moscow nightclub after him.
Vladimir Putin served as the second president of Russia from May 2000 to May 2008. During his time in office, the Russian economy saw great improvement, bouncing back from a financial crisis.
Though his behavior in office was questioned by foreign leaders and domestic political figures for his strong-armed leadership over Russia, Putin is credited with establishing political stability during his tenure.