Russia. Why Putin’s Pension Plans For Russia Could Put His Own Happy Retirement At Risk
He is a leader who has built his entire political image on being a decisive, strong man of action — yet, early in his fourth term as Russian president, the passage of time presents Vladimir Putin with challenges he has not previously faced.
Firstly, there is a time limit on Mr Putin’s own career. The Russian constitution only permits a president to serve two terms. Mr Putin did this between 2000 and 2008, at which point the constitution was interpreted to mean two consecutive terms. That being the case, he was able to step aside while his protégé, close political ally, and Prime Minister, Dmitry Medvedev took the top job — in name, at least.
In reality, as became clear from the public profiles of Russia’s leaders when the country went to war with neighbouring Georgia later that year, Mr Putin was still calling the most important shots.
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