Not a surprise
Meet the new Tsar, same as the old Tsar: Vladimir Putin hopes to become prime minister
President Vladimir Putin has hinted that he hopes to become Russian prime minister, fuelling speculation that he plans to retain power after he steps down as president early next year.
Speaking at a congress of the main pro-Kremlin force, United Russia, Mr Putin said that it was "quite realistic" that he could head a future government.
The Russian constitution bars Vladimir Putin from seeking a third term as president
"I gratefully accept your proposal to head the United Russia list," he told delegates.
Only an utter naif could ever have thought that this ex-KGB officer would willingly give up power. But it would be too blatant even for him to simply amend the constitution to allow himself to run for a third term. Instead, he'll find a compliant puppet to run for president, then he'll agree to become Prime Minister "in response to public demand." When that happens, I'm sure the Duma will conveniently amend the constitution to make the presidency mostly ceremonial, while real power is concentrated in the hands of the Prime Minister.
Russia has historically swung between chaos on the one hand, and authoritarian rule on the other, never finding a happy medium. After the chaos of the early post-Soviet years (relatively mild, compared to the Time of Troubles), Russia has steadily veered back toward its authoritarian pole. To call it a "liberal democracy" would be to strip the phrase of all meaning.
Why they don't just revive the monarchy and declare Putin "Tsar Vladimir I" is beyond me.
LINKS: More at Blue Crab Boulevard, Secular Blasphemy, Wonkette, and Mere Rhetoric.
Recent Comments