The Kremlin has begun compiling a list of influential figures that would campaign on behalf of President Vladimir Putin as he seeks re-election next year, the Kommersant business daily reported Monday, citing several anonymous sources familiar with the matter.
According to the newspaper, work on organizing a so-called “initiative group” of campaign surrogates suggests that Putin will likely run as an independent candidate in the 2024 presidential election rather than align himself with the ruling United Russia party, just as he had done when he last ran for president in 2018.
“He’s a president for all,” one source was quoted as saying, adding that electoral support for Putin is expected to transcend party politics.
Although the list of Putin’s surrogates is “far from complete,” Kommersant notes that priority will be given to figures with “positive” reputations and those with “influence among their audience.”
The popular pro-war singer Shaman is being considered among other cultural and military figures as Putin’s possible surrogates, according to the newspaper.
Putin is expected to run a “very conservative” 2024 campaign based on his high polling figures, Kommersant reports, citing one of its sources.
His 2018 presidential campaign featured nearly 700 surrogates, including academics, athletes, businesspeople and other politicians.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Monday the decision on the “initiative group” has not yet been reached.
Putin has said he would announce his plans to run for a fifth term in office after the country's parliament formally called the presidential election in December.
The Russian leader’s re-election bid has been made possible by constitutional changes that allow him to remain in office until 2036.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
