Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and President Dmitry Medvedev have fallen out over plans to build a chain of cheap Libyan Spars in major cities in the country.
Medvedev, who many Western commentators regard as Putin's "man", is furious that the President has given permission for the downmarket convenience stores to be built in Russian high streets from May 2011 onwards.
The shops will essentially stock staple Libyan foodstuffs such as couscous, unsweetened cake and soup.
Putin is determined to press ahead with the plans as he sees an opportunity to boost the flagging Russian economy by charging inflated business rates.
Medvedev, while committed to making his nation more cosmopolitan, is concerned that his countrymen should be spending their hard earned cash on essential household items rather than exotic, if basic, food.
The Premier has instead announced proposals for Russian branches of Poundstretcher to be franchised throughout the land as he feels that the cheap homeware and electrical goods provided by the discount chain would be more popular amongst Russian shoppers.
The power struggle looks set to continue for some time.
