Medvedev: Gov't Role In Economy Has To Be Cut

The Associated Press reports:

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Friday condemned the government's heavy hand in the economy and the centralization of power at the Kremlin, comments seen as a challenge to the legacy of his powerful predecessor, Vladimir Putin.

Medvedev's statements in a speech to investors at the annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum were a strong indication that he wants to distance himself from Putin, Russia's prime minister, in the run-up to next year's presidential election.