President Putin has accepted the offer to lead the number one political party in Russia. Russia United controls State Duma (lower house of parliament) according to France 24. Mr. Putin will step down as president next month making way for his successor and former protégé Dmitry Medvedev. However Putin has already announced that he will become prime minister as soon as Dmitry Medvedev becomes president on May 7th. - Tuesday 15 April - 13:13