Telegraph View 19 March 2018 • 10:00pm There is a protocol among the leaders of democratic countries that they congratulate one another on their election to office. But by what possible measure can Vladimir Putin’s return to office for another six years be described as democratic? He was effectively unchallenged because, of two possible credible opponents, one was murdered and the other forbidden from participating. Even the higher turnout in the elections was achieved because ballot boxes in some areas were allegedly stuffed. Why should Mr Putin be congratulated on winning an election he could never lose? Yet Angela Merkel, the German Chancellor, and President Macron of France have done so, albeit with heavy caveats about Russia’s... To continue reading this article Start your free trial of Premium Access all Premium articles Subscriber-only events Cancel any time Free for 30 days then only £2 per week Try … [Read more...] about Why should Vladimir Putin be congratulated for winning an election he could never lose?
Vladimir putin
‘I don’t care’: Vladimir Putin denies alleged US election interference in Megyn Kelly interview
RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin says he ‘doesn’t care’ about alleged Russian interference in the US presidential election because the actions weren’t connected to his government. In an interview with American broadcaster NBC News, Putin also suggested that some of the 13 Russian nationals indicted by the United States may not be ethnically Russian.“Maybe they are not even Russians, but Ukrainians, Tatars or Jews, but with Russian citizenship, which should also be checked,” he said.Putin responded brusquely when interviewer Megyn Kelly asked if he condoned the interference that was alleged in last month’s US indictment by special counsel Robert Mueller.“It’s all the same to me. To me it absolutely makes no difference because they do not represent the government,” Putin answered, according to the Russian- language interview transcript posted by the Kremlin.Putin said Russia has neither the tools nor the will to meddle in … [Read more...] about ‘I don’t care’: Vladimir Putin denies alleged US election interference in Megyn Kelly interview
Vladimir Putin’s 18 years in power — the highs and lows, and don’t forget the shirtless pics
In a widely anticipated victory, Russian President Vladimir Putin was reelected for a fourth term Sunday, delighting supporters, dismaying detractors and triggering speculation over what lies in store for the Eastern European nation under six more years of the former KGB intelligence officer. Under Russian law, the president is elected every six years, with a limit of two consecutive terms. … [Read more...] about Vladimir Putin’s 18 years in power — the highs and lows, and don’t forget the shirtless pics
Russian elections: Who is running against Vladimir Putin?
On February 18, the Central Electoral Commission in Russia announced the final list of approved candidates for the March 18 presidential elections. Beside President Vladimir Putin, seven other candidates were allowed to run the race. Two of them - Vladimir Zhirinovsky and Grigory Yavlinsky - have run against Putin in the past. Opposition leader Alexei Navalny was barred from running in December over a conviction of fraud in a court case his supporters see as politically motivated. None of the seven other candidates competing against Putin has polled above eight percent in pre-election surveys. Here is what they are known for. Vladimir Zhirinovsky - 'the anti-Semitic ultra-nationalist with Jewish roots'Campaign slogan: "Powerful thrust forward!" Vladimir Zhirinovsky (nee Eidelstein) is leader of the ultra-nationalist Liberal Democratic Party of Russia. He is the absolute veteran among this year's candidates, having run in more elections than Vladimir Putin himself. He has … [Read more...] about Russian elections: Who is running against Vladimir Putin?
Vladimir Putin formally declared winner in Russian presidential vote
Russian electoral officials have officially declared incumbent President Vladimir Putin the winner of last Sunday’s election. The Central Election Commission on Friday issued final results, showing that Mr Putin won nearly 77% of the vote. Communist candidate Pavel Grudinin came second with nearly 12%. The vote was tainted by widespread reports of ballot-box stuffing and forced voting. But Ella Pamfilova, chairwoman of the Election Commission, said at the commission’s session on Friday that the vote was free and fair. Sunday’s win will keep Mr Putin in office until 2024. … [Read more...] about Vladimir Putin formally declared winner in Russian presidential vote