Moscow: Vladimir Putin, the current President of Russia, stands on the brink of a historic milestone, poised to surpass Joseph Stalin as the longest-serving Russian leader in modern history. Putin, who has dominated Russian politics since the early 2000s, is now seeking an unprecedented fifth term in office.
Putin’s journey to power traces back to 1999 when he assumed a prominent role as one of Russia’s deputy prime ministers. Elevated by Boris Yeltsin, Putin was later catapulted into the position of acting Prime Minister, handpicked as Yeltsin’s successor.
Following Yeltsin’s sudden resignation in December 1999, Putin assumed the mantle of acting President. His subsequent election in 2000 marked the commencement of his first presidential term, a tenure that extended until 2004, followed by successful re-election and a second term until 2008.
Navigating legal constraints on consecutive terms, Putin transitioned to the role of Prime Minister from 2008 to 2012 under President Dmitry Medvedev. This strategic move allowed Putin to return for a third presidential term, which he secured in 2012.
Putin clinched a fourth presidential term in 2018, extending his reign until March 2024. As the Russian Elections loom on March 17, 2024, Putin has declared his candidacy for an unprecedented fifth term.
In a pivotal move in 2020, Putin signed an executive order amending the Russian Constitution, effectively enabling him to seek two additional six-year terms.
With over 24 years at the helm since his initial ascent to the presidency in 2000, Putin is on the verge of surpassing Stalin’s record as the longest-reigning Russian leader. Should he secure a fifth term, Putin would eclipse Stalin’s tenure, marking an unparalleled 30 years of leadership.
Joseph Stalin, who wielded immense authority over the Soviet Union from 1924 to 1953, held pivotal roles as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and the Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Soviet Union.
Russian Presidential Elections 2024
Scheduled for March Set to kick off on March 15 and culminate on March 17, the Russian presidential elections feature three additional candidates. However, Putin is widely expected to maintain his grip on power. With the constitutional amendment passed in 2020, Putin could potentially extend his tenure until at least 2036.
