2008 Woodie Awards
Putin, in becoming prime minister, is becoming too powerful in Russia
Sam Koch '11
Issue date: 10/10/07 Section: Opinion
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Democracy has an ugly face with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Announcing to an attentive audience this Monday that he plans to assume the role of prime minister at the end of his presidential term, Putin, in essence, guaranteed that he would remain in a position of power regardless of constitutional term limits. It had long been assumed that Putin would not easily relinquish the authority he had gained over the past eight years; however, no one expected this announcement.
It is interesting to note that the job of prime minister is second only to the president. Indeed, if the president is unable to perform his duties, the prime minister replaces him. Additionally, Putin has also entertained the thought of running for president again after completing his term as prime minister in four years, as it is not prohibited by the Russian constitution. Anyone familiar with Putin's history as the leader of Russia should be uncomfortable with this fact.
In the past two years, Putin has made international headlines for his controversial statements regarding the West, especially the U.S. These statements were generally responses to accusations made by many dealing with the ever-lessening freedoms of speech and press in Russia under Putin's administration. Several anti-Putin journalists have suffered the wrath of the Kremlin because of their writings, with several having been detained in prisons or politically ostracized for their beliefs. A leading Russian journalist, Anna Politkovskaya, was murdered in her apartment. When questioned on the matter, Putin dismissed it as unimportant, as he did with the Russian involvement in the London murder of an outspoken government defector. Recently, the Russian government took over national TV networks-a decision that led to outcries around the world about the limitation of domestic civil rights in that country. Putin's spokespeople have argued that the only reason these networks were taken over was that they needed the government to take financial control in order to secure their survival. This argument, though, has convinced few people. Critics of the Russian government assert that Putin's goal has always been, and remains, to limit the voice of opposition within the nation in order to assert his authority in the political sphere.
It is interesting to note that the job of prime minister is second only to the president. Indeed, if the president is unable to perform his duties, the prime minister replaces him. Additionally, Putin has also entertained the thought of running for president again after completing his term as prime minister in four years, as it is not prohibited by the Russian constitution. Anyone familiar with Putin's history as the leader of Russia should be uncomfortable with this fact.
In the past two years, Putin has made international headlines for his controversial statements regarding the West, especially the U.S. These statements were generally responses to accusations made by many dealing with the ever-lessening freedoms of speech and press in Russia under Putin's administration. Several anti-Putin journalists have suffered the wrath of the Kremlin because of their writings, with several having been detained in prisons or politically ostracized for their beliefs. A leading Russian journalist, Anna Politkovskaya, was murdered in her apartment. When questioned on the matter, Putin dismissed it as unimportant, as he did with the Russian involvement in the London murder of an outspoken government defector. Recently, the Russian government took over national TV networks-a decision that led to outcries around the world about the limitation of domestic civil rights in that country. Putin's spokespeople have argued that the only reason these networks were taken over was that they needed the government to take financial control in order to secure their survival. This argument, though, has convinced few people. Critics of the Russian government assert that Putin's goal has always been, and remains, to limit the voice of opposition within the nation in order to assert his authority in the political sphere.
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 8
Kevin Serafin
posted 10/10/07 @ 9:43 PM EST
Interesting, however do you really think western media is free from government interests or the more recent legislation restricting free speech?
As for Russia opposing missile defense systems next door, what do you think old Mr Bush would think of Russia setting up the same system in Canada and Cuba? Given the location of these bases its hard to see how they are directed at Iran. (Continued…)
Danil
posted 10/11/07 @ 4:06 AM EST
I completely agree with Kevin Serafin.
Here is what Pres. Putin has replied at an interview with G8 country journalists This idea that the media here is under control is largely a myth. (Continued…)
gartheep hurndel
posted 10/19/07 @ 12:05 PM EST
well r5ussians have always been crazy anywayz dumb fucken communist assholes that can suck my dick fuck this site fuck white people niggers and chinks and beaners i hate u all go to hell indian pride brrap im gunna go get my brown ass some curry
Kevin Serafin
posted 10/24/07 @ 1:37 AM EST
Ben, I was only responding to the article and was not "concentrating" on the U.S, which is hardly shortsighted.
Tell me, what is Putin planning? We can only assume from our very small perspective as like I said earlier we only see what those in power want us to see. (Continued…)
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