Vladimir Putin’s Third Term as President of Russia
On March 4, 2012, Vladimir Putin won the Russian presidential election, securing his third term as President of Russia. This victory marked a significant moment in Russian politics, as it underscored Putin’s enduring influence and control over the country’s political landscape.
Background
Vladimir Putin first became President of Russia in 2000, following the resignation of Boris Yeltsin. He served two consecutive terms until 2008, after which he was constitutionally barred from seeking a third consecutive term. During this period, Dmitry Medvedev, a close ally of Putin, served as President, while Putin assumed the role of Prime Minister.
In September 2011, Medvedev announced that he would not seek re-election and supported Putin’s candidacy for the presidency. This move was widely seen as a strategic maneuver to allow Putin to return to the presidency while maintaining the political status quo.
The 2012 Election
The presidential election held on March 4, 2012, saw Putin running as the candidate for the United Russia party. His main opponents included Gennady Zyuganov of the Communist Party, Mikhail Prokhorov, a billionaire businessman running as an independent, Vladimir Zhirinovsky of the Liberal Democratic Party, and Sergey Mironov of A Just Russia.
Putin won the election with approximately 63.6% of the vote, a decisive victory that demonstrated his continued popularity among a significant portion of the Russian electorate. However, the election was marred by allegations of electoral fraud and irregularities, leading to widespread protests across the country.
Aftermath and Significance
Putin’s return to the presidency in 2012 marked the beginning of a new era in Russian politics. His third term was characterized by a more assertive foreign policy, including the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and increased tensions with Western countries. Domestically, Putin’s government faced criticism for its handling of economic challenges and its approach to civil liberties and political dissent.
The 2012 election and Putin’s subsequent presidency highlighted the challenges of democratic governance in Russia and the centralization of power in the hands of a single leader. It also set the stage for further political developments in Russia, including constitutional changes that would later allow Putin to extend his rule.
Overall, Putin’s third term reinforced his position as a dominant figure in Russian politics and had significant implications for both domestic and international affairs.