OREANDA-NEWS. January 22, 2010. The meeting took place at Mr Shaimiyev’s request. The President of Tatarstan asked Mr Medvedev not to consider him as a candidate for the republic’s presidency after his term in office ends on March 25, 2010.

He explained that he supports the policies outlined by the President in his Address to the Federal Assembly, and believes that the time has come to give a new generation of young politicians the chance to take the stage.

Mr Shaimiyev thanked the President for the confidence and support that he received throughout his time as president of Tatarstan.

Mr Medvedev gave a high assessment of Mr Shaimiyev’s work, noting that he has done much indeed for the region, which today is one of the country’s leaders in terms of social and economic development.

The President informed Mr Shaimiyev that he will recommend that the Tatarstan State Council approve the candidacy of current Prime Minister of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov for the post of president of the republic.

On December 23, 2009, the United Russia political party nominated and submitted to Mr Medvedev three candidates for the republic’s highest office: current President of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiyev, Prime Minister of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, and Chairman of the Tatarstan State Council Farid Mukhametshin.