Russian President Putin Says He Rejects The Idea Of Soviet-Style Leaders For Life

Russian President Vladimir Putin (file photo)

RFE: Putin Says He Rejects Soviet-Style Leaders For Life

Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he would not like to see his country return to the Soviet practice of having lifelong rulers who died without a clear succession procedure.

Speaking to a group of World War II veterans in St. Petersburg on January 18, Putin was asked if it would be desirable to remove the term limit for presidents.

"It would be very worrying to return to the situation we had in the mid-1980s when state leaders stayed in power, one by one, until the end of their days and left office without ensuring the necessary conditions for a transition of power," Putin said. "I think it would be better not to return to that situation."

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WNU Editor: The problem is that Russian President Putin's rhetoric is not matching his actions .... Vladimir Putin says he OPPOSES the idea of a leader taking power for life days after sweeping political changes clear the way for him to do exactly that (Daily Mail).

Update: Some are now calling for early elections .... Putin's party 'considering' early elections as confusion reigns over sweeping succession plans (The Telegraph)

More News On Russian President Putin Saying That He Rejects The Idea Of Soviet-Style Leaders For Life

Russia’s Putin says he opposes unlimited presidential term -- AP
Despite shake-up, Putin rejects idea of Soviet-style leaders for life -- Reuters
Putin Says He Doesn’t Want Return to Soviet-Era Lifetime Leaders -- Bloomberg
Putin says 'transition' crucial after political shake-up -- CGTN