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Primakov Leaves His Post In Duma
Primakov addressing journalists at the State Duma on Monday after resigning from his post as leader of the Fatherland faction.
Former Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov unexpectedly stepped down from his post as a faction leader in the State Duma on Monday, drawing extensive speculation about the veteran politician's next move.
Announcing his resignation from the chairmanship of the Fatherland-All Russia faction, the 71-year-old Primakov did not elaborate on his long-term plans, but he declared that he would not be quitting major-league politics.
"I am going to continue my work in the faction's Political Council and I plan to spend more time at Duma hearings," Primakov said at a news conference after his resignation was formally accepted by the faction's leadership.
Primakov added that he had discussed his plans to resign last week with President Vladimir Putin and Moscow Mayor Yury Luzhkov, who heads the Fatherland movement. Primakov said both had objected to the move, but ultimately accepted his decision.
Luzhkov said Monday he "sincerely regrets" Primakov's decision, but regards it with "understanding," Interfax said.
The primary reason Primakov cited for his resignation was his unwillingness to head up Fatherland's transformation from a movement into a political party, which is expected in mid-October.
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