Vladimir Putin, Russia’s longest-serving leader since Joseph Stalin, on Friday moved to prolong his unyielding grip on the country, announcing his candidacy in the presidential election next March.
The announcement of Putin’s intention to run for the sixth time, first made on television, confirms what was already widely expected: that he will remain in power until 2024, at least.
The 67-year-old former KGB agent, who has been in power as either president or prime minister since 2000, will face no serious competition. His latest approval rating stands at 82%, according to the Levada Center, a polling agency.
Putin has sought to portray himself as a strong leader who can restore Russia to its former glory, both domestically and abroad. His popularity stems largely from his promise to combat corruption and crime, enhance access to education and health care, and promote economic growth.
Putin has also been praised for his efforts to fight terrorism and bring stability to the area through his interventions in Ukraine and Syria. At home, he has brought a measure of political stability and economic growth that many Russians now enjoy.
In addition, Putin has taken a hard stance on perceived “Western imperialism,” which is popular with a large part of the Russian population.
He has also managed to build strong relations with other world leaders, most notably with U.S. President Donald Trump, with whom he has held several summits. In fact, Trump has repeatedly praised Putin for his leadership and once called him a “fantastic leader.”
Putin’s candidacy signals a renewed commitment to a Russia-centered world and to a policy of confronting the West. In his speech to the nation announcing his candidacy, he discussed his plans to continue pursuing an independent course in foreign policy, and to continue to provide economic and social support to the Russian people, while taking steps to protect Russia’s national interests.
Though certain aspects of Putin’s rule have come under scrutiny, particularly those concerning human rights, he still remains popular among many Russians. Putin is seen to have maintained order and stability in a country that has suffered from political turmoil in the past. With a continuation of Putin in power, Russians expect to see further improvements in their living conditions and the nation’s international standing.
Though the election outcome is a foregone conclusion, the mood in Russia is still one of anticipation as Putin embarks on a new period of his rule and the nation looks ahead to the next stage of Russia’s development. Putin promises to bring a strong and independent Russia back to the global stage.
