As Putin announced to change office in Russia from President to PM, a new debate begins: whether it’s a step towards democracy or a kick to democracy.
However, another substantial issue is what changes will there be in Russian mood after transition takes place. Well, there will hardly be some breathing room as assertiveness most probably mount in post-Putin era.
Putin’s presidential era is marked with the unprecedented growth and bouncing back to the world stage.
Another thing that his era is marked with is adherence to the constitution that his predecessors defied and parried repeatedly to continue in power. Again, sticking to law denied West an easy argument against Kremlin’s democratic credential.
Yes, during his Presidency, Putin toiled hard to keep balance in Autocracy and democracy.
He successfully maintained distance from autocrats of Asian continent while at the same time tried to fit well in Western democracy though bottlenecks there certainly are.
Nevertheless, knowingly or unknowingly Putin and his aides adopted at least some democratic features (even if for showing) while ultimately destroying the spirit of democracy.
Putin remaining in power - whatsoever slot he occupies - is worrisome for West. He has denied US every possibility to spread its tentacles in Russian affairs and gave its European policy a tough challenge.
Therefore, Putin remaining PM of Russia with his chosen successor functioning next to him, there remains challenges for those who wry Putin’s integrity and his eight years credentials as the President.
With this, there will hardly be any respite to and change in Russian vociferous tantrums against West’s interference.
Whether changing the office is in favor of democracy or not, remains veiled. However, Putin who has the popularity and informal levers to remain epicenter of power even if he functions in the background does not violate constitution by this move.
This move will - as many fear can end the democracy - start the new era in Russian politics while providing a mean for popular leaders to remain in power for a longer period.
So, will the balance - which Putin maintained between democracy and his assertiveness while avoiding direct violations of democracy - linger? Will now Kremlin come out bluntly against it?
Finally, as Russia, with its new found confidence, becomes blunt in defying West, one hardly doubts that it will leave its assertiveness no matter whosoever occupies Presidential or PM’s chair.
