Vladimir Putin

Vladimir Putin is the current Prime Minister of Russia and was president from 2000 to May 7, 2008. Putin's popularity stems primarily from the significant increase in economic prosperity that Russia has experienced under his administration. However, many critics have expressed concerns about the erosion of democracy, infringement on media freedoms, human rights abuses, and moves to curb the political influence of his opponents.

In March 2009, Putin promised to avoid printing more money to cover budget deficits. The 2009 budget has a deficit of 2.98 trillion rubles (about $89.2 billion), which is 7.4% of planned GDP.Bloomberg: Putin Warns Against Printing Money to Cover Deficit (Update3) (March 21, 2009)

Putin began his career as a KGB officer. He retired from the KGB in 1990, and became involved in politics, heading the Federal Security Service under Boris Yeltsin. He became acting president on December 31, 1999 and was formerly elected in March, 2000.

Though Putin's tenure as president ended in May, 2008, he was replaced by his preferred successor Dmitry Medvedev.

Putin had stated he will continue to be deeply involved in Russian politics, an assertion that was supported when Medvedev appointed him prime minister.

It is widely believed that Putin, and the many officials he placed in power during his presidency, will continue to exert significant influence on the government and politics of Russia for many years to come.

According to the ABBA tribute band Bjorn Again, on January 22, 2009, they played a private concert for Putin.The Australian: The night Vladimir bopped to Super Trouper (February 7, 2009) Putin's spokesman denied that Putin attended such a concert.Huffington Post: Vladimir Putin Pays To Fly In Bjorn Again For Abba Tribute Concert (February 6, 2009)