alternatehistory.com

In March 2011, Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin publicly criticized (his nominal boss) President Dmitry Medvedev for authorizing a NATO intervention in Libya at the UN Security Council. He said that the resolution resembled "medieval calls for crusades". Medvedev hit back by saying Putin's comments were "unacceptable". (source: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-12810566)

My question is as follows. What if Medvedev had promptly fired Putin from his post for upstaging him (and naming someone more pliable as the new PM)? Could he get himself nominated by the United Russia party for the 2012 elections and win them?
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