I think everyone knew that as soon as Vladimir Putin stepped down from his position as President of Russia, he would continue to run with his ex-KGB crowd and exercise the puppet master's hand from behind the scenes of the already highly corruptible regime. So, is it really a surprise to anyone that he announced this?
What a shocker! Since Putin is barred from serving a third term as President, he's going to try his luck with Parliament--a door that would lead towards the path of Prime Minister-ism. I remember two years ago having taken a course on Russia in War & Peace (consequently the actual name of the course) and discussing Putin's Russia as the final unit. The big "debate" then was what would happen after Putin steps down--whether he would still exercise control of the new leadership, whether he amassed too much personal power to just relinquish to another, or whether he would legitimately finish his term and be done with the political scene. Even then, everybody in the class almost unanimously agreed that Putin would be around for a long time.
I particularly like this excerpt from the New York Times article:
''In Russia -- as before -- a regime of personal power has been established: The power of one person, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, and whether he is called president or prime minister ... is meaningless,'' Alexei Venediktov said.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Considering Putin's extensive political connections, his network of ex-KGB collegues and subordinates in addition to his massive popularity and socio-economic position there was little doubt in anyone's mind that he would still hold much power after his term as President is up. The fact that he is seeking the Prime Minister position is emblematic of his hold on Russian politics but also problematic for his continued exercise of the power he currently wields. Putin and his 'court' at the Kremlin have spent his past two terms building extensive powers for the office of the Russian president and the executive branch. This has come at the expense of many powers of the Prime Minister--the position he now seeks is essentially subordinate to the executive. If Putin wants to transfer the level of control he garnered as President he will have to make similar changes regarding his new position through legislation and constitutional change, again.
The move to the parliament might allow Putin to control his presidential successor from across the branches of government. However, his successor (which is undoubtedly whoever Putin and his party give the official tap to) could easily turn their back on those who brought him/her to power. While such dissent within Putin's highly disciplined party is unlikely it cannot be ruled out prima facie.
Putin always has the option of occupying the PM position in parliament until the election following his stepping down. The Russian constitution only outlaws two consecutive terms. The chances of another Putin presidency are thus not outside the realm of possibility or Russian law. Either way, it seems that power is vested in Putin as an individual and wherever he moves power moves as well. His massive popularity and the scores Russian politicians and businessmen cling to his coat tails will back him no matter where he is. So, while he may be stepping down as President (for now) the days of Putin are long from over.
Post a Comment