Putin consolidates his position

If anyone still believes the official version that Boris Yeltsin voluntarily left office, then Vladimir Putin has now taught us better. The new boss in the Kremlin is cleaning up, and the targeted are Yeltsin's faithful. Even the innermost circle of the former "family" are not exempt, as influential daughter Tatyana Dyachenko has experienced. With confident political instincts, Putin is sending a signal to the Russian public, and they are expected to officially give him the presidency in a few weeks.

The Yeltsin clan is hated by many citizens, not least because of shameless self-enrichment in obscene contradiction to the spreading poverty among the people. Putin is stepping completely out of Yeltsin's shadow because it would darken his further rise. A short time ago, at Yeltsin's pleasure, he enjoyed he position of government chief. Now there is an about face. Any assurance of protection from prosecution for daughter Tatyana or the rest of the family will depend on Putin's mercy. Thus far, he has only assured Boris Yeltsin of lifelong immunity.

Is Putin Mr. Clean? Not so fast. First it is enough for him to cement an image of vigor. The citizens see it with relief after so much stagnation. The questions of motivation and self-interest will come later.

-- Der Tagesspiegel, Berlin