26/01/2012 (Agence Europe) - “Mr Putin, be aware spring is coming.” Commenting on the likely refusal of the Russian authorities to register the candidacy of Grigory Yavlinsky, the leader of the Russian Democratic Party “Yabloko”, for the next presidential election in Russia, Guy Verhofstadt, the leader of the Alliance of Liberal and Democrats for Europe (ALDE), stated on Tuesday 24 January: “By refusing to register Grigory Yavlinsky for the presidential election the Kremlin removes any glimmer of hope for an alternative vision for Russia. The presidential elections to be held on 4 March will be another step backwards for democracy in Russia.” According to the Verhofstadt, the new elections to the Duma will not be legitimate unless all opposition political parties can be registered. He added: “The European Union should re-assess EU policy on Russia, with the prospect of Putin clinging to power until 2024.” He concluded: “The president in waiting would be well advised to heed people's demands. Mr Putin, be aware spring is coming.” (CG/transl.fl)