Dmitry Medvedev, the Russian president, has sacked a powerful political opponent, veteran Moscow mayor Yuri Luzhkov - the website of the president of Russia has reported today.
Luzhkov had ruled Russia's capital since 1992 but he angered Mr Medvedev by criticising his administration and suggesting the country needed a stronger and more decisive leader - a remark seen as favouring Vladimir Putin, the prime minister.
Political experts say the decision of Medvedev was the outcome of the political campaign launched around Luzhkov recently. Moscow mayor enjoyed the support and patronage of Putin. Political analysts assess the dismissal of the capital mayor as the beginning of the conflict between Putin and Medvedev.
