‘It’s impossible to imagine Russia with another leader’ Politicians, pro-Kremlin media, and the opposition on Putin’s bid for a fifth term as president
Vladimir Putin is running for a fifth presidential term. The announcement came on December 8, during an event for Heroes of the Fatherland Day. Artem Zhoga, the speaker of parliament for the self-proclaimed “DNR,” asked the president to participate in the elections “on behalf of the residents of the annexed territories” and the military. Putin responded in agreement. The Kremlin claims that the president made the decision “absolutely spontaneously.” Putin’s nomination for the presidency promptly received unanimous support from Russia’s State Duma and Federation Council representatives, governors across the country, and numerous propagandists. Meduza has compiled reactions from politicians, pro-Kremlin journalists, and figures in the anti-Kremlin opposition. Here’s what they had to say.
Federation Council speaker
Our president has never and will never avoid making responsible decisions. And he’s confirmed that once more today. He’s confirmed that he’s ready to act in the interests of the country and its citizens at a time when he had to make a momentous decision and faces a historic challenge. I’m confident that Vladimir Putin made his statement based, first of all, on a real demand from Russians, taking into account their will and spirit. […] I think that Mr. Vladimir Putin’s very decision to run in the elections has become an answer to a lot of important questions for the citizens of the country, an additional guarantee of the preservation and development of Russia as a fair and social state. Sovereign, powerful, secure.
State Duma deputy speaker from the United Russia party
United Russia absolutely supports Putin’s nomination as a presidential candidate and will do everything for his victory.
State Duma speaker
This is a very important decision not only for citizens of our country but for the whole world. Over time, Mr. Putin has proven his effectiveness.
Our country has faced various challenges at different stages, but it’s precisely thanks to him that it has successfully overcome them — whether it was the financial crisis, sanctions, or the war unleashed against Russia.
Moreover, Mr. Putin possesses unique qualities such as humanity, integrity, kindness, and, of course, productivity.
His decision today shows love for his country, a desire to make it strong and prosperous and to protect Russia during the current challenges and threats. Putin’s victory in the elections will be a victory for the citizens of our country, a victory for Russia.
Deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council and former President of Russia
Putin’s decision to run for a new term is absolutely logical and correct. His work as president must be continued.
Leader of the party A Just Russia – For Truth
Putin’s decision to run in the presidential election was expected. I announced my support for the president’s nomination for another term back in February 2023. Our party congress made the decision in May. Putin is our candidate for Russia’s 2024 presidential election. Victory will be ours!
Speaker of parliament for the self-proclaimed “Donetsk People’s Republic”
We’re very happy that the president has heard our request for nomination, all of Russia supports him. We can consider Putin’s election campaign to have started. He said: the times can always be different, difficult, and tough, but, at the moment, he’ll be with the people, he’ll run for office.
Head of the self-proclaimed “Donetsk People’s Republic”
Artem Zhoga, addressing our president, expressed the request of all Donbas residents. The Donbas has been through a lot, the Donbas has gone through different periods in its life. For the Donbas, the Russian President is the leader who gave us back our homeland. This is the leader who saved the Donbas from destruction. There is no family in the “Donetsk People’s Republic” that does not appreciate what President Vladimir Putin has done and is doing for us!
Russian-appointed head of Crimea
I fully support this decision. Under Mr. Vladimir Putin’s leadership, Russia has come a long way, revived, and regained its status as a great world power. And today, our country is successfully developing despite enormous external pressure, confidently moving toward the fulfillment of the goals of the SVO. It’s impossible to imagine Russia with another leader. By virtue of his qualities, only he can see everything through to the end, to our total victory.
Russian pro-war blogger and member of Russia’s Presidential Human Rights Council
The leader confirmed that he is running in the elections in 2024. I wonder whether the West will have the guts for yet another escalation and will label the results as illegitimate in advance? Or has their determination been somewhat diminished after the failed Ukrainian counteroffensive?
Propagandist and Editor-in-Chief of RT
The boss will run in the elections himself. It’s good news for all of us. It’s bad for those who have been placing all their bets on successors all this time.
Director of the Anti-Corruption Foundation (ACF)
It was very funny. Zhoga announced Putin’s new term. I don’t think they planned to announce the nomination that way. It went like this: Putin said something like that in the non-public part. Zhoga then came out and told the journalists. All state news agencies were waiting in suspense for this “sensational news.” The news spread. Officials like Matviyenko have long been rejoicing with comments prepared. Someone will get a knock on the head for this :)
Opposition politician
Well, the surprise, to put it bluntly, wasn’t successful. However, something else here is valuable. All opposition forces have already decided on a strategy — to act in the same direction, which gives them a chance to form a broad coalition. Voting against Putin, and if boycotting, then actively — if abroad, at least lining up at the polling stations at noon, tearing ballots, or drawing what Mr. Vladimir Putin represents on them.
Human rights activist
Putin announced his candidacy for president. What news! What an event! No one was expecting it, but he decided to make it happen! And even more traditionally, he didn’t decide it himself but graciously agreed when asked: be it workers or the father of a fallen soldier. Allegedly in an informal atmosphere, rehearsed, with champagne. What a dramatization!
Don’t you all find this circus funny? Whom exactly are they hoping to fool?
Translation by Sasha Slobodov
Special military operation (SVO)
The Kremlin’s official euphemism for Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine