Putin Plans To Play A Political Role After Leaving Office

MOSCOW — President Putin fed the frenzied speculation over his future yesterday with an enigmatic declaration that he would play a significant political role after he leaves office in 2008.

Mr. Putin told an annual live television phone-in that he would step down after serving two terms, as required by the constitution. But in a tantalizing glimpse of his future plans, he said he would still want to "influence life in Russia."

"Even after I no longer have presidential powers, I think that I will be able to preserve the most important thing that is dear to any politician: your trust," he said.

"Using this, we can together influence life in our country and guarantee that it develops in a continuous manner."

Mr. Putin's declaration, the clearest signal yet that he does not intend to disappear from political life, came in response to a question that set the tone for the three-hour phone-in. The event, as in previous years, bore all the hallmarks of being heavily scripted.

But debate over the presidential succession obsesses Russians as much as Prime Minister Blair's departure fascinates the British.