Putin says could be future Russian premier

By Michael Stott

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday he could be a future prime minister, giving a clear sign he plans to keep power after his second term ends next year.

At a congress of the main pro-Kremlin force, United Russia, he also announced he would head the party's list for December parliamentary elections, guaranteeing him a place in the State Duma (lower house of parliament).

"As far as heading the government is concerned, this is a quite realistic suggestion but it is still too early to think about it," Putin said to thunderous applause.

"Two conditions must be met first. United Russia must win the election and a decent, capable and modern person with whom I work as a team should be elected president," he said from a stage decked out in Russia's national colors, red, white and blue.

Putin's remarks fitted a scenario rumored for some time in Moscow -- that the popular president could continue to wield power from the prime minister's chair after he leaves office, installing a loyal but weaker figure as president.

Initial reaction from financial markets was positive.

"Irrespective of one's view of Putin's democratic credentials, markets respect the stability and prosperity he has brought to Russia, and should react positively to the latest development," said Tim Ash, an emerging markets economist at Bear Stearns in London.

All polls published so far give United Russia, whose campaign slogan is "Putin's Plan -- Victory For Russia", a huge lead for December's vote, with at least 50 percent. The number two force, the communists, poll around 10-20 percent.

Putin made clear United Russia was the country's key political force and called on delegates to "win in an honest fight", ending speculation he might promote a two-party system by dividing his loyalties between two pro-Kremlin parties.

Using language reminiscent of Soviet times, he said: "United Russia has become a consolidating part of the whole Russian society, a force that maintains political stability and the realization of our social and economic programs."

GUIDING FORCE

Communist propaganda used to call the party the "ruling and guiding force of society".

Putin's own popularity and the Kremlin's control over politics and the media virtually guarantees whomever he anoints as his successor victory in the presidential vote next March.

Putin has not yet indicated whom he will back as his successor. Speculation has centered on first deputy prime ministers Dmitry Medvedev and Sergei Ivanov, newly appointed Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov and a host of lesser figures.

Commenting on a suggestion he should head the United Russia party list for the December Duma elections, Putin said to a standing ovation: "I accept your proposal with gratitude."