Billionaire to lead Russian political party

The decision, seven months before parliamentary elections, seems to be part of a Kremlin effort to provide an alternative for Russians disaffected with the country’s dominant political party, United Russia, while ensuring continued support for the ruling authorities.

The party that Prokhorov will lead, Right Cause, generally espouses pro-Western liberal views in tune with those of the country’s business and intellectual elite. It was set up by the Kremlin in 2008, and some critics refer to it as nothing more than a fake opposition intended to help give Russia the semblance of a true multiparty democracy. The Kremlin did not immediately comment, although it is unlikely that Prokhorov would have made the decision without the approval of Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin and President Dmitry A. Medvedev.

Yesterday, Prokhorov provided few details of the arrangement with Right Cause, other than to confirm rumors that he would take control of it. He said on state television that he would demand “carte blanche’’ in managing the party, including the right to bring in new people and change its name.