OGARYOVO, Russia, Jumada II 04, 1432 / May 7, 2011, SPA -- Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said on Saturday his United Russia party needed new ideas and had to look beyond its own ranks ahead of this year's parliamentary election, Reuters reported. Putin, who has said he may run for president in the 2012 presidential election, called on Friday for the creation of a "popular front" made up of United Russia as well as labour unions, veterans, and youth groups. On Saturday Putin met with social and business leaders to pursue the initiative, which looked like a move to bolster the ruling party amid signs of flagging support and consolidate his own power base. Elections for the State Duma, or lower house of parliament, are expected in December. "We are standing at the threshold of the elections for the State Duma, which in and of itself is one of the most important political events in the country," he said at his residence outside Moscow. "I can say openly that under these circumstances United Russia needs an inflow of fresh ideas, fresh proposals and fresh faces." United Russia holds more than 300 seats in the 450-seat State Duma. But recent opinion polls and regional election results suggest it will be difficult to maintain that level of dominance in the December vote. The party's popularity in January was at its lowest level in more than a year, a poll by independent Levada Center showed. Putin, who is the chairman of United Russia but not an official member, enjoys higher popularity than the party, opinion polls show. President from 2000-2008, Putin became prime minister because the constitution forbade him from seeking a third consecutive term, but he would be eligible for the presidential race next year.
