The Time's person of the year is the Russian President Vladimir Putin. I have always been fascinated by this man. Born into a poor family of no prominent lineage, he has risen through to become the President of a nation in trouble and if the views of people around the world are to be believed has done well. Russia was in tatters when he started off as acting president from Boris Yeltsin. He has been in power now for 8 years and has decided to step down as president sometime next year. He will appoint his loyal chief of staff as the next president ensuring power still stays with him.
Russia under Putin has made progress. From the time when the Soviet bloc collapsed he has taken control of Russia and provided stability. The people of Russia respect him for that as indicated by popularity ratings of 70% or so. His methods might not always be transparent. He does not run a government similar to a an open democracy. His style of functioning is of a clever monarch with contemporary views of the world. He prefers to worry only about Russia and expects the same from super powers. Interference is not something he will tolerate. Unfortunately, this also extends to journalists attempting to find out stories involving corruption. It is widely believed that he has sanctioned the killings of some journalists. Also, freedom of democrats in Russia is very limited. In fact, all opposition to him and his policies are clinically dismantled. Yet people of Russia respect him for what he has done for them. No doubt the rich are getting richer in
Russia and there is widespread corruption, but the life of common has also improved. This has allowed Putin to continue his stronghold. Sure, he is helped by rising oil prices and a fluctuation in oil prices might affect Russian economy.
Youth in Russia love Putin. He is a cult figure for the youth groups. Another interesting aspect is that these youth groups hate USA for meddling or trying to undermine Putin's rule in Russia. Clearly, Putin has managed to capture the hearts of Russians through his verve, energy and pride for Russia. He undertakes anything (i mean it) possible to ensure he is on top of things. How well is he succeeding!!
Russia under Putin has made progress. From the time when the Soviet bloc collapsed he has taken control of Russia and provided stability. The people of Russia respect him for that as indicated by popularity ratings of 70% or so. His methods might not always be transparent. He does not run a government similar to a an open democracy. His style of functioning is of a clever monarch with contemporary views of the world. He prefers to worry only about Russia and expects the same from super powers. Interference is not something he will tolerate. Unfortunately, this also extends to journalists attempting to find out stories involving corruption. It is widely believed that he has sanctioned the killings of some journalists. Also, freedom of democrats in Russia is very limited. In fact, all opposition to him and his policies are clinically dismantled. Yet people of Russia respect him for what he has done for them. No doubt the rich are getting richer in
Russia and there is widespread corruption, but the life of common has also improved. This has allowed Putin to continue his stronghold. Sure, he is helped by rising oil prices and a fluctuation in oil prices might affect Russian economy.
Youth in Russia love Putin. He is a cult figure for the youth groups. Another interesting aspect is that these youth groups hate USA for meddling or trying to undermine Putin's rule in Russia. Clearly, Putin has managed to capture the hearts of Russians through his verve, energy and pride for Russia. He undertakes anything (i mean it) possible to ensure he is on top of things. How well is he succeeding!!
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