Putin suddenly talks about potential successor
Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin suddenly stated that he has always thought about a successor. He suggested that the struggle might be among several candidates, reports Reuters.
In a propaganda film about Putin's quarter of a century as Russia's paramount leader, he was asked if he thinks about succession. He responded, "I always think about it."
"Ultimately, the choice is for the people, for the Russian people. I think that there should be a person, or rather several people, so that the people have a choice," said the Kremlin leader.
Reuters notes that, according to the Russian constitution, Putin does not have a clear successor. If the head of the Kremlin is unable to fulfill his duties, the Russian Prime Minister, currently Mikhail Mishustin, assumes presidential powers.
Putin's sudden statement about a successor
In Russia, one can serve as president for no more than two consecutive terms. Therefore, in 2024, Putin would not have the right to run for re-election.
However, in the summer of 2020, Russia held a nationwide vote on amendments to the constitution. The changes came into effect on July 4, 2020.
Among the many amendments, one key change involved presidential terms: the "resetting" of terms for the current head of the Kremlin. This effectively means that Putin's previous terms no longer count, allowing him to stay in power at least until 2036. Despite having 11 years left, the dictator has suddenly started discussing a potential successor.
