Steven Petrov
The Paw Print
No intentions for being a lifetime president
After the Russian President made the announcement that he is considering the possibility of relisting as a presidential candidate in the next presidential elections in Russia in 2018, some political analysts argued for Mr. Putin’s interest in becoming a “lifetime president.” Just like the US constitution, which allows for a president to be in office for no more than 2 consecutive terms, the Russian one follows the same basic principle. Vladimir Putin has been pretty much in charge of the country for almost 15 years now.
However, he served two consecutive terms from 2000-2008 when he was succeeded by Dimitry Medvedev. President Medvedev was in office just for 1 term, while Vladimir Putin remained in a leading political position as the country’s Prime Minister. Putin was re-elected in 2012 and is currently serving his 2nd 1st term. This gives him the constitutional right to be in office for one more term the current one. Putin however was quick to explain and answer all of the questions regarding the alleged desire that he has of staying in office as long as he is alive.
The Russian President clearly said that it will be unhealthy and bad for Russia if he remains President for that long. He also mentioned that even though the possibility for another term exists, he still hasn’t clearly made his decision because it will largely be influenced by the current economical, geopolitical circumstances at that time. When asked about his attitude towards the most recent tries of the West to impose further sanctions and exercise more influence on Russia, Putin calmly replied that this is how it has always been. He commented on the fact that every time throughout history that Russia stood up for its personal interests, the European and general Western perception of Russia as well as their attitude towards the largest country in the world always changes. To further expand on his statement, Putin gave an example with the similar situation with the first Russian President, Boris Yeltsin. Yeltsin was in office from 1991-1999 and Putin argues that Boris had a worldwide support at first, up until he raised voice in protection of Yugoslavia. Right at that moment the western perception of him changed from a good politician to a “drunk,” which again supports the current Russian president’s view that in moments like when Russia tried to seek its personal interest in the Balkans the West treated Russia as an enemy. However, Putin was also clear on his political views on the situation and that he has absolutely no intentions to isolate his country from the west, imposing another “Iron Curtain.”
Vladimir Putin also commented on Russia’s political and military decisions that were taken in Crimea, saying that every single major possible consequence has been accounted for before Russia had undertaken any type of strategic action on the issue. Putin explained that the truth is on the Russian side and that this makes them much more powerful as a side in this conflict, and also warned that the artificial increase in gas prices will hurt mostly those who provoke it.
What’s Been Said…