Russia's leader Putin expresses preference for a few potential heirs over a single successor.
Step into the Political Arena
In a candid conversation with VGTRK journalist Pavel Zarubin, President Vladimir Putin, the long-reigning leader of Russia, shared his thoughts on choosing his successor. He admitted to evaluating the potential of "everyone," underscoring the significant role the Russian people's trust plays in the process.
According to Putin, the decision ultimately lies with the Russians. A person without their support cannot achieve much, he emphasized. He went on to say, "This question is crucial. So, when I think about it, I think that a person, or better yet, several people, should emerge so that the people have a choice, who could gain the trust of the country's citizens."
Lukashenko's Take on Succession
This conversation comes shortly after Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko addressed a similar question about identifying a successor to transfer power.
Political Dynamics
Putin, who has been holding the presidential office since 1999, has won five elections with a significant margin. In 2020, he received a record 87.28% of the votes. His current term will end on May 7, 2030.
In 2021, when CNBC journalist Hedly Gambell asked Putin about his thoughts on his successor and his intention to remain in office until he was 84 years old, Putin declined to answer, stating that such discussions could potentially destabilize the situation. "The situation should be calm and stable so that all government bodies and state structures work confidently and calmly look to the future," the president noted.
Putin's press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, echoed these sentiments when asked who the next president would be, stating that it would be whoever the Russians vote for. He acknowledged that Putin might have his own preferences at some point and would likely "recommend someone."
In November 2024, Peskov reinforced this stance, saying, "The same as Putin. And in any case - the one you will vote for. You will choose."
Revamping the Leadership
Putin recently shared his thoughts on succession planning in a state television documentary marking his 25-year leadership. While no clear successor has emerged, historical patterns suggest possible contenders include:
- Security establishment figures
- Regional governors, particularly those with federal prominence
- Cabministry technocrats
- Unexpected "dark horses"
The centralization of power around Putin's persona complicates the institutional succession process, making the choice of a successor a crucial yet delicate matter. Putin's remarks reflect his aim to project stability while acknowledging the inevitable leadership transitions, without endorsing any specific candidate.
- In the political arena, President Vladimir Putin, the long-reigning leader of Russia, emphasized that the Russian people's trust is significant in choosing his successor, stating that a person without their support cannot achieve much.
- Alexander Lukashenko, the Belarusian President, has also addressed the question of identifying a successor, mirroring the discussions happening in Russia.
- Putin, who has been holding the presidential office since 1999 and has won five elections with a significant margin, stated in 2021 that discussing his successor and remaining in office until he was 84 years old could potentially destabilize the situation.
- Putin's press secretary, Dmitry Peskov, reinforced that the next president would be whoever the Russians vote for, acknowledging that Putin might have his own preferences but refraining from endorsing any specific candidate, considering the delicate and crucial nature of the choice of a successor.
