Vladimir Putin has been in charge of Russia for over 20 years. He started in December 1999 when Boris Yeltsin stepped down. Many thought a former KGB officer wouldn’t stay in power for so long.
His long rule makes people wonder how one person can keep power in a country with term limits.
The Russian Constitution used to say leaders could only serve two consecutive terms. Putin got around this by becoming prime minister from 2008 to 2012. Then, he went back to being president.
In April 2021, a referendum changed the rules. Now, Putin can run for president twice more. This could keep him in power until 2036.
Putin’s long-standing presidency is due to smart moves and control. His fifth term in 2024 shows how he’s managed to stay in power. This look into his rule will cover constitutional changes, his control over the government, and key appointments.
Putin’s Path to Power: From 1999 to Present
A former KGB lieutenant colonel with little public recognition became Russia’s acting president on December 31, 1999. Vladimir Putin’s journey to power began after 16 years in foreign intelligence. He resigned in 1991 to pursue politics in Saint Petersburg.
Putin quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a key figure in Moscow’s administration in 1996. His career took off when he led the Federal Security Service and the Security Council. These roles gave him a strong presence in Russia’s power circles.
The Unexpected Successor: Yeltsin’s Handpicked Choice in 1999
Boris Yeltsin surprised everyone by picking Putin as prime minister in August 1999. At the time, few knew Putin. Yeltsin’s endorsement gave Putin a big boost.
The Second Chechen War helped Putin build a strong image. His ratings soared as he showed strength and decisiveness. When Yeltsin stepped down on December 31, 1999, Putin took over as acting president.
The March 2000 election confirmed Putin’s role with a landslide win. His inauguration on May 7, 2000, marked a new era of centralized leadership. Putin’s quick rise showed how fast fortunes can change in post-Soviet Russia.
First Two Terms as President: 2000-2008
Putin’s first terms saw Russia’s economy grow fast. The country’s growth was driven by oil prices and reforms. This success made Putin more popular and helped him stay in power.
Putin made the federal government stronger and reduced regional governors’ power. He also reduced the influence of oligarchs, who were powerful under Yeltsin. The Kremlin’s control over Moscow grew stronger.
His 2004 reelection kept this system going. The Russian constitution limited presidents to two terms. This meant Putin had to find ways to stay in power after 2008.
Return to the Presidency: 2012 to Present Day
Putin became president again in 2012, after four years as prime minister. The election was marred by protests in Moscow and other cities. People accused the election of being rigged and demanded reforms.
The 2018 election extended Putin’s rule, despite growing tensions with the West. Russia’s actions in Crimea and Syria showed a more assertive foreign policy. Domestic critics faced more challenges, with laws and media restrictions.
Putin won the 2024 election with 88 percent of the vote. But international observers didn’t think it was fair. The election took place during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, raising questions about its legitimacy.
These elections showed how Putin has stayed in power. His pattern of winning elections under controlled conditions shows how Russia’s system has evolved to support long-term leadership.
| Period | Position | Key Developments | Electoral Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999-2000 | Prime Minister, then Acting President | Second Chechen War, Yeltsin resignation | First-round victory March 2000 |
| 2000-2004 | President (First Term) | Economic growth, centralization of power, reduction of oligarch influence | Elected May 2000 |
| 2004-2008 | President (Second Term) | Continued consolidation, federal control over regions | Reelected 2004 |
| 2008-2012 | Prime Minister | Tandem government with Medvedev, constitutional amendment extending terms | Appointed by President Medvedev |
| 2012-2018 | President (Third Term) | Crimea annexation, Syria intervention, opposition suppression | Elected 2012 amid protests |
| 2018-2024 | President (Fourth Term) | Constitutional reset, increased international isolation | Reelected 2018 |
| 2024-Present | President (Fifth Term) | Ukraine invasion, elections in occupied territories | 88% reported, not certified as free or fair |
Putin has been at the heart of Russian politics for over 20 years. He has held various titles but maintained control. This has allowed him to overcome constitutional limits and stay in power for decades.
Constitutional Changes That Extended Presidential Terms
Russia’s constitution has changed to let a leader’s extended term in office. When Vladimir Putin first became president in 1999, the rules said presidents could only serve two four-year terms. This was to prevent too much power in one person’s hands.
But, two big changes in 2008 and 2020 made these rules less strict. These changes let Putin stay in power longer than the original rules allowed. This way, he could keep governing for many years without seeming to break democratic rules.
These changes happened at key times in Putin’s career. They helped him keep his power while looking like he was following the law. This shows how a leader can change the rules to stay in power.
The 2008 Amendment: Expanding Terms from Four to Six Years
In 2008, Russia’s parliament voted to make presidential terms six years long. This was a fifty percent increase in each term’s length. The change got a lot of support from those who backed Putin.
President Dmitry Medvedev signed the law in December 2008. The new rule applied to future elections, not to Putin’s current term. This was important for setting a legal example.
This change was strategic. Putin wasn’t president when it happened. He was prime minister under Medvedev. This made it seem like the change wasn’t just for him.
The change took effect right after it was approved. But, it didn’t affect Medvedev’s current term, which started under the old rules. The new rules would apply to elections starting in 2012.
So, Putin’s return to the presidency in 2012 was the first under the new rules. He won two more terms, securing him until 2024. This meant he could stay in power for a long time without needing to run again.
Impact on Presidential Tenure Length
The 2008 change changed Russian politics a lot. A president could now serve twelve years instead of eight. This meant four more years of power without needing to run again.
For Putin, this meant he could stay president until 2024. Before, he would have had to leave in 2020. The extra years gave him time to build his power and plan more changes.
International observers said Russia was now like a few other countries with six-year terms. Most democracies have shorter terms to keep leaders accountable. This change showed Russia was moving away from Western democracy.
The 2020 Constitutional Reset: Zeroing Out Previous Terms
In January 2020, Putin proposed big changes to the constitution. The most important part made his past terms count as zero. This let him stay in power beyond what the old rules said.
The plan went quickly through Russia’s government. The State Duma approved it in March 2020. A national vote in July 2020 showed 78 percent of voters agreed.
But, many questioned the vote’s fairness. There were reports of cheating, pressure to vote, and little public debate. The media mostly supported the changes, while critics were silenced.
Key Provisions of the 2020 Amendments
The changes included more than just term limits. They also added social policies like minimum wage and pension protections. These popular ideas helped hide the bigger changes.
The main goal was to reset Putin’s term count. This let him run for two more six-year terms, as if he were new. This was a big change for his political future.
Other changes gave the president more power:
- More power to remove judges and prosecutors
- More control over cabinet appointments
- Less oversight from the legislature
- Less influence from international law
Enabling Rule Until 2036
The 2020 changes mean Putin could be president until 2036. He won again in 2024, securing his term until 2030. He could then run again in 2030, staying in power until 2036.
By 2036, Putin would have been in power for about 36 years. This is longer than Joseph Stalin was in power. It’s a record in post-Soviet Russia.
Now, Putin can keep ruling without term limits. The rules that were meant to keep power balanced have been removed. His future in power depends on his own decisions, not the law.
| Amendment Feature | 2008 Constitutional Change | 2020 Constitutional Reset |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Modification | Extended presidential terms from 4 to 6 years | Reset previous terms to zero for counting purposes |
| Implementation Method | Legislative approval without referendum | Legislative approval plus national referendum |
| Immediate Beneficiary | Applied to future terms starting 2012 | Enabled Putin to run beyond 2024 limit |
| Maximum Tenure Impact | Increased two-term maximum from 8 to 12 years | Added 12 years beyond 2024 |
| Democratic Precedent | Aligned with some presidential systems | Unprecedented term limit nullification |
The Medvedev Maneuver: Maintaining Power Without the Title
In 2008, Putin found a way to keep his grip on power despite a two-term limit. He made a clever switch, moving from president to prime minister. This move allowed him to stay in charge without breaking the law.
This move showed how democracy can be twisted for authoritarian goals. Putin picked Dmitry Medvedev to be president, while he took the prime minister role. This raised big questions about who really had the power in Russia.
From 2008 to 2012, Putin showed how flexible power can be in authoritarian systems. Even as prime minister, he kept a strong hand in policy and foreign affairs.
Serving as Prime Minister During the 2008-2012 Period
Putin became prime minister in May 2008. He turned the prime minister role into a way to keep his control. This let him keep his influence over key areas, like security.
As prime minister, Putin made big changes in the military and police. He made these groups more loyal to him. This move helped him keep his grip on power.
In August 2008, Putin was in charge during a war with Georgia. He showed he was in control, even though Medvedev was president. This war made Putin’s power clear.
The Tandem Government: Who Really Held Power
The “tandem government” was how Putin and Medvedev worked together from 2008 to 2012. But it hid the real power dynamics. Medvedev made some changes, like fighting corruption and trying to modernize the economy.
But Putin was really in charge. He controlled the main party and had friends in key places. He also kept control over the security services.
The tandem setup let Putin and Medvedev share tasks. Putin focused on security, while Medvedev worked on modernizing and talking to the West. This made it seem like they were working together, but Putin was really in charge.
| Period | Putin’s Position | Key Powers Retained | Constitutional Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000-2008 | President (Terms 1-2) | Executive authority, foreign policy, military command, security services | Two consecutive terms completed |
| 2008-2012 | Prime Minister | Party control, security networks, policy influence, economic oversight | Constitutional limit circumvented |
| 2012-Present | President (Terms 3-5) | Full executive authority, constitutional amendment power, extended terms | Term limits modified and reset |
Strategic Job Swap to Circumvent Term Limits
In 2012, Putin went back to being president, and Medvedev became prime minister. This move was a clever way to get around the term limits. Putin won the presidential election in March 2012 with 63.6 percent of the vote.
But this move sparked big protests in Moscow and other cities. People were upset about the election and wanted fair politics. These protests were the biggest challenge to Putin’s rule.
Despite the protests, Putin became president again in May 2012. The Medvedev maneuver helped Putin stay in power. It let him avoid term limits and keep his network intact.
This move showed how to work around constitutional limits. It helped Putin stay in power for longer. It also showed how to keep up the appearance of following the law while really controlling everything.
How Has Putin Been President for So Long: Political Control Mechanisms
Putin’s long rule is thanks to a complex system of power. This system includes constitutional changes and a wide reach into media, opposition, elections, and government. It covers all of Russia.
To know more about Putin’s long presidency, we must look at these control systems. They work together to make it hard to challenge Putin’s rule. This makes Russia’s political landscape very controlled.
Controlling Media Narratives and Public Information
Media control is key to Putin’s power. The Russian state controls most TV networks. These networks are the main source of news for many Russians.
State media paints Putin as a strong leader. It also attacks opposition figures and Western governments. This makes it hard to know what Russians really think.
McGill University expert Maria Popova says the government controls the media. This makes it hard to know Putin’s true popularity. The state makes it seem like everyone agrees with Putin.
State Ownership of Major Television Networks
The Kremlin controls Russia’s three main TV channels. These channels reach 90% of Russian homes. They are the main source of news outside big cities.
State TV shows a version of reality where Putin solves problems. It portrays opposition figures as enemies. This means most Russians don’t see different views.
Restricting Independent Journalism
Independent journalism is limited in Russia. Journalists face lawsuits, are called “foreign agents,” or face violence. This stops them from criticizing the Kremlin.
Russia ranks low in the Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index. Independent outlets face threats. Many journalists have left the country.
Suppressing and Marginalizing Political Opposition
Putin’s rule is also maintained by suppressing opposition. Challengers face many obstacles. Critics are often jailed or forced into exile.
This makes opposing Putin seem futile and dangerous. It discourages people from supporting opposition movements.
Legal Obstacles for Opposition Candidates
Opposition candidates face many legal hurdles. They are often barred from running due to technical issues. This gives officials a lot of power to exclude candidates.
This ensures only Kremlin-approved candidates run. It creates the illusion of competition without real choice.
Imprisonment and Exile of Key Rivals
Key opponents are often jailed or exiled. Alexei Navalny, a major critic, was imprisoned in 2021. His poisoning was linked to Russian security services.
Navalny died in 2024 in a remote prison. Yevgeny Prigozhin, who briefly challenged Putin, died in a plane crash. Both deaths were seen as warnings to others.
Experts say Putin was behind these deaths. University of Toronto professor Andres Kasekamp called Putin a major cause of death and destruction in the 21st century.
Managing Electoral Systems and Outcomes
Electoral management is key to Putin’s control. Elections seem democratic but are rigged. Media dominance, opposition exclusion, and vote manipulation ensure Putin wins.
Reports of fraud are common. The 2024 election showed signs of large-scale cheating. International observers say Russian elections are not free or fair.
University of Toronto professor Aurel Braun says Russians must pretend elections are real. Disputing the results can lead to trouble.
Building a Unified Power Vertical Across Government
Putin has built a unified power structure. This “power vertical” goes from the Kremlin to local governments. It replaced the chaotic 1990s with a centralized system.
This structure ensures policy coordination and eliminates opposition. Governors loyal to Putin get to stay in power. Those who oppose him are removed. This makes officials loyal to the Kremlin.
These mechanisms explain Putin’s long rule. Media control, opposition suppression, electoral manipulation, and the power vertical keep him in power. Russia’s low scores in corruption and democracy indexes show the authoritarian nature of this system.
Comparing Putin’s Presidency Duration to Other World Leaders
Putin’s long time in power is unusual, not just in democracies but also in authoritarian governments. By 2024, he will have controlled Russia for twenty-five years. He could even surpass Joseph Stalin’s twenty-nine years in power of the Soviet Union, thanks to constitutional changes.
This would make Putin the longest-serving Russian or Soviet leader after the 1917 Russian Revolution. His long rule is rare, even among authoritarian leaders. It’s almost unheard of in democracies.
Other Long-Serving Leaders in Modern History
Putin is part of a group of long serving presidents who have stayed in power for decades. They use democratic structures but also act like authoritarian leaders. They find ways to stay in office, even if it looks like they’re not elected fairly.
Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus has been in power for over twenty-nine years. His elections are seen as rigged by many. Paul Biya of Cameroon has been president for over forty years. He keeps his power by controlling the opposition.
Nursultan Nazarbayev ruled Kazakhstan for nearly thirty years before stepping down. He kept a lot of influence through his appointments. Teodoro Obiang of Equatorial Guinea has been president for over forty years, the longest of any current leader.
Hun Sen of Cambodia ruled for thirty-eight years before handing power to his son. This move was seen as a way to keep his family in power. These transitions often keep the same people in charge, not bringing in new leaders.
| Leader | Country | Years in Power | Methods of Maintaining Control |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vladimir Putin | Russia | 25+ years (2000-present) | Constitutional amendments, controlled elections, media dominance |
| Teodoro Obiang | Equatorial Guinea | 45+ years (1979-present) | Military backing, oil wealth control, suppressed opposition |
| Paul Biya | Cameroon | 42+ years (1982-present) | Constitutional changes, electoral manipulation, security apparatus |
| Alexander Lukashenko | Belarus | 30+ years (1994-present) | State control of economy, referendum extensions, crackdowns on protests |
Presidential Term Limits in Democratic Systems
Term limits in democracies are key to preventing too much power in one person’s hands. These rules come from centuries of political thought warning against long-term leaders. They help keep power balanced and prevent authoritarianism.
In the United States, presidents can only serve two terms, eight years total. This rule was added in 1951 after Franklin D. Roosevelt’s long time in office. It ensures leaders change regularly and keeps power from becoming too personal.
France limits presidents to two five-year terms, but they can run again after a break. This mix of experience and new leadership is important in democracies. Germany’s chancellor has no term limits but needs the support of parliament to stay in power.
Mexico’s constitution goes further by prohibiting presidential reelection entirely. This rule was put in place after Porfirio Díaz’s long dictatorship. It shows Mexico’s history of trying to avoid too much power in one person’s hands.
Term limits are important for several reasons. They stop leaders from becoming too powerful in government. They make leaders accountable by forcing them to face voters regularly. They also keep government institutions fresh and open to new ideas.
How Russia’s System Differs from Western Democracies
Russia’s political system is very different from Western democracies. Russia’s constitution looks like it has checks and balances, but Putin has made the president very powerful. This is not like how things work in democracies.
The Russian parliament mostly agrees with the president, not acting as an independent body. Opposition parties face hard times, either working with the Kremlin or being ignored. The parliament passes laws quickly, with little debate.
Russia’s courts often side with the government, even in cases against the government. This shows that the courts are not independent. They don’t really follow the law in important cases.
Regional leaders in Russia used to have a lot of power, but Putin took that away. He made them answer to Moscow, not the local people. This shows how Putin has centralized power in Russia.
Russia also uses secret police and business ties to control people and businesses. This is not how things work in democracies. It shows how Putin has changed Russia’s system to keep himself in power.
As Maria Popova from McGill University said, “the word for ‘elections’ is choice” in Russian, but there’s no real choice. This shows how Russia is different from Western democracies, where leaders are limited by the law.
Putin’s long time in power is not because of popular votes. It’s because he has changed Russia’s system to keep himself in charge. His rule seems inevitable, not because of democracy, but because of his control over the system.
Conclusion
Putin’s long rule in Russia comes from changing the constitution and controlling media and opposition. These actions turned Russia’s democracy into an authoritarian regime. Scholars agree on this.
At 71, Putin has no clear successor. Experts say he will stay in power until he dies or is removed by his own people. Maria Popova from McGill University told Global News, “This is what happens in highly personal and highly repressive authoritarian regimes.”
There’s no plan for who will take over after Putin. This shows how Putin’s rule has made Russia unstable. His long time in power has changed Russia, but it also makes it weak in the future.
Aurel Braun from the University of Toronto says dissent’s impact is hard to see until the system collapses. Popova says in such regimes, dissent is hidden until it suddenly shows, making Putin seem powerful until the end.
Even though Putin seems in control now, his rule’s end could bring trouble. The lack of peaceful ways to change leaders and the suppression of civil society make Russia unstable when Putin goes.
FAQ
How Long Has Putin Been Russia’s Leader?
Vladimir Putin has been in charge of Russia for over twenty years. He took over on December 31, 1999, after Boris Yeltsin stepped down. Putin was president from 2000 to 2008, then prime minister from 2008 to 2012. He returned to the presidency in 2012 and has stayed there through his reelections in 2018 and 2024.
By 2024, Putin had been governing for twenty-five years. Constitutional changes in 2020 let him stay in power until 2036, when he would be 83.
What Constitutional Changes Allowed Putin to Stay in Power?
Putin’s long rule was made possible by two key changes. In 2008, the Russian parliament extended presidential terms from four to six years. This change applied to Putin’s later terms, starting in 2012.
In 2020, Putin introduced amendments that reset his previous terms to zero. This move allowed him to run for two more six-year terms, enabling him to stay in office until 2036.
Why Did Putin Serve as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2012?
Putin couldn’t serve more than two consecutive terms as president. So, he became prime minister in 2008, while Dmitry Medvedev took the presidency. This setup, known as the “tandem government,” let Putin keep control while following the rules.
In 2012, Putin returned to the presidency, and Medvedev became prime minister again.
How Does Putin Control Political Opposition in Russia?
Putin suppresses opposition through various means. Challengers face legal hurdles, like signature requirements and disqualification for minor errors. Many opposition figures are imprisoned or in exile.
Alexei Navalny, a key critic, died in 2024 in a remote prison. His death is seen as a warning to others who might challenge Putin.
Are Russian Elections Free and Fair?
Russian elections are not free or fair. While they look democratic, the outcomes are fixed. Media control and opposition exclusion ensure Putin’s victory.
Reports of fraud, like ballot stuffing, are common. In 2024, analysis showed clear signs of widespread cheating.
How Does Putin Control Russian Media?
Putin controls all major TV networks, the main source of news for many Russians. State media praises Putin and criticizes opposition and the West. Independent journalism is severely restricted.
Journalists face lawsuits, “foreign agent” designations, and intimidation. Russia ranks low in press freedom.
How Does Putin’s Tenure Compare to Other World Leaders?
Putin has ruled Russia for twenty-five years and could stay until 2036. This is longer than Joseph Stalin’s rule of the Soviet Union. Putin’s rule is among the longest in history, even among authoritarian regimes.
Other long-serving leaders include Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus and Paul Biya of Cameroon. In contrast, democracies have term limits to prevent such long rule.
What is Russia’s “Power Vertical”?
The “power vertical” is a system where Putin controls everything from the Kremlin to local levels. It replaced the chaotic 1990s with centralized rule. This system ensures Putin’s rule seems inevitable.
Could Putin Lose Power Through Elections?
Experts doubt Putin will lose power through elections. He has eliminated real competition and controls the media and elections. Maria Popova from McGill University says there’s no real choice in Russian elections.
Putin’s rule is likely to end through an internal power struggle, not elections.
How Long Can Putin Legally Remain President?
Putin can legally stay president until 2036, thanks to 2020 amendments. By then, he will be 83 and have ruled for thirty-seven years. These changes show how Putin has reshaped Russia’s laws to keep himself in power.
What Happened to Alexei Navalny?
Alexei Navalny, Putin’s main critic, was imprisoned in 2021 after returning from Germany. He died in 2024 in a remote prison, with many blaming the Kremlin. Navalny’s death is seen as a warning to others who might challenge Putin.
How Has Putin Stayed in Power for Many Years?
Putin has stayed in power through constitutional changes, strategic moves, and control over media and opposition. The 2008 and 2020 changes extended his rule. The “tandem government” from 2008 to 2012 also helped him maintain power.
Putin controls media, eliminates opposition, and manages elections. This has turned Russia into an authoritarian regime with only a few democratic trappings.
