After the president and the conservative faction in parliament have publicly declared their support for the prime minister, it looks as if the crisis is over and the only thing the conservatives have to do is to rule the country. The situation comprises a dilemma. Gediminas Vagnorius will be in power for almost two years. The consequences of his rule can hardly promise any bright gleam. But the consequences of his resignation and the process of forming a new government would be sadder still.
All prophets make mistakes here, all too often.
Still, let me try to guess what he is thinking about at the Central Clinical Hospital. I will try to do so on the basis of current events and what I think I know about the president's basic instincts. Primakov has been concentrating more and more power in his hands and becoming a danger to Yeltsin's rule. Besides, before another round of fighting with the Duma, a suitable and adequate successor to Primakov has to be found. He will only have a minor personnel shuffle, which won't affect the aces.