Despite the age, Russian President Vladimir Putin seems to have no plans to step down. It is most likely that he intends to hold the presidency for another 6 years term.
This opinion was expressed by Stefan Scholl, a famous German journalist, who usually writes about Russian and Ukrainian affairs for the Frankfurter Rundschau.
His column "How sick is Vladimir Putin? The president is rarely seen in the Kremlin" became very popular in Germany. However, it seems that Putin is not going to leave his post.
"Well, I didn't write that he was leaving. I wrote that he was getting old and that he was holding the presidency for too long now. But I can’t see that he's sick or about to leave. Although, the only thing I did notice is that his physical condition is getting worse. Twice a year, as I understand, Putin with great pleasure takes part in the demonstration matches of the "Night hockey league”, which he created. This time, however, he did not participate in the game yet,” Scholl said.
He also explained the strange behavior of the Russian leader.
"In the spring, when there was the first wave of coronavirus in Russia, video conferences showed Putin playing with pens. In my opinion, this is more of a sign that he is bored with what is happening, and thus, it is no longer very important to him. Maybe it was also related to his age, but still, he's been doing this for so many years it's already a routine for him. As I understand it, he doesn't get adrenaline from it anymore. Several things such as all these conferences, meetings with great attention to hi, as I understand it, might even irritate him..." the journalist said.
He explained that without specific information, journalists base their opinion on an analysis of what is happening. However, it is unlikely that Putin will hold the power until 2036, as was planned in the constitutional reform.
"As for Putin, I don't think he is going to leave. He is unlikely to stay until 2036, but he will definitely run for presidency during the next elections. He intends to become the President of Russia for another six years," Scholl said.
He also suggested what would happen if Putin left.
“I think it is possible and it may happen that Putin suddenly appears to be sick and then decides to arrange someone for his post. Then, it is most likely that there will be a scenario of the so-called "tandem" - akin to when Medvedev replaced Putin for 4 years of presidency. This time, it will not necessarily be Medvedev but just a person from Putin’s entourage. Perhaps, he will not be very authoritative and will be dependant. Thus, with his assistance, Putin will be able to continue pulling the strings," the journalist stated.
Simultaneously, in the event of the sudden resignation or ‘force majeure disappearance’ of the current president of Russia, the mechanisms set out in the Constitution will work in the country. The incumbent prime minister will be acting as the president.
"And I think it doesn't matter who it is, but he will have a great chance to stay in this position. Of course, there will be different candidates from different groups of elites with the covert struggles, even if a little. But at the end of the day, the prime minister will be a citizens' favorite," Stefan Scholl expressed.