The Start of Putin’s Political Journey
Vladimir Putin entered the political scene in the late 1990s, initially serving as the Prime Minister of Russia under President Boris Yeltsin. On December 31, 1999, Yeltsin unexpectedly resigned, appointing Putin as Acting President until the upcoming elections.
On March 26, 2000, Putin was elected as the President of Russia for his first term in office. His first presidency lasted until 2004, marked by significant reforms in various sectors and a centralization of power.
Putin’s Return and Continued Tenure
As his first presidential term came to an end, Putin was unable to be re-elected consecutively due to constitutional limitations. However, this did not signify the end of his political career. Instead, Putin stepped down and supported his hand-picked successor, Dmitry Medvedev, who served as President from 2008 to 2012.
Midway through Medvedev’s term, Putin announced his intention to run for the presidency once again. In the March 2012 elections, Putin emerged victorious and resumed his position as the President of Russia. Since then, Putin has been serving in this role continuously. He was re-elected in 2018, securing his fourth term in office.
Calculating Putin’s Total Time in Power
Now, let’s do the math to determine the total duration of Putin’s reign in Russia. His first presidency lasted from 2000 to 2004, a period of four years. Following that, his tenure as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2012 spans four additional years. Since returning to the presidency in 2012, Putin has held office for another nine years until now, making a total of thirteen years. When combined, Putin has been in power for a remarkable seventeen years!
Considering the power and influence Putin wields as the Russian President, his longevity in office has not been without criticism. Some argue that it threatens the democratic principles of the country, while others credit him for bringing stability and strength to a nation grappling with various challenges.
In Conclusion
Vladimir Putin has undeniably left an indelible mark on Russian politics. With seventeen years in power and counting, his reign has seen many significant events unfold, both domestically and internationally. However, the answer to the question, “How long has Putin been in power?” is seventeen years, making him one of the longest-serving Russian leaders since the Soviet era.
The future of Putin’s reign remains uncertain, but one thing is certain: his influence will continue to shape Russia and its role on the global stage for years to come.