ed Future of Russia

Can Putin bring genuine change to his nation?

Vladimir Putin won Russia’s presidential election Sunday, succeeding in his bid to return to the Kremlin. The intriguing question is now what kind of president he will be over the next six years. His role as the nation’s leader is important as Russia stands at the crossroads: to emerge as a strong democracy or return to a backward empire ruled by a czar.

First, he has to ensure the election was fair as protesters claim there were vote-riggings. If he fails to do so, the legitimacy of his power could be questioned. This may provide more momentum for the wave of protests which began after the December general elections over widespread vote fraud.

Then, Putin should make strenuous efforts to make good on his campaign promises. By faithfully committing to his pledges, he can build public confidence in his leadership. He also must embrace his political opponents and reflect different opinions of the civil society for national unity.

More than anything else, he faces a daunting task of rooting out pervasive corruption. Russia’s ruling elite has developed an oligarchy over the past decade. It has formed collaborative ties with business tycoons, fostering corruption. The country cannot become a transparent and democratic society without winning the war on corruption.

Another important task is how to ensure a fairer distribution of wealth in order to bring more property to all Russians. The Russian economy is too dependent on the export of oil, gas and other energy resources. A small number of oligarchs monopolize power and wealth, although the middle class is on the rise.

It is imperative to allow more people, especially the poor, to enjoy the fruits of economic growth in an equitable way. This will not only help beef up the middle class, the backbone of democracy, but also contribute to political stability and social cohesion.

Putin should not renege on his promise to give more consideration to the middle class. Of course, the middle class will raise their voices for greater political freedom as well as more economic well-being. However, Putin does not have to think that the louder voices of the people would challenge his regime. Needless to say, the future of Russia will depend on the middle class.

It is also equally important for Putin to bring genuine change to Russia’s outdated economic, political and social structure. As a third-term president, he has to push reform more drastically. But many believe that he will carry out reform on a limited basis. Putin may focus more on consolidating his power and protecting vested interests. Some worry that he may attempt to extend his power to another six-year term.

It would be better for him to put pubic interests before political ambition. He should not dream of becoming a czar. No one wants him to be a tyrant. Rather, Russians and other people around the world want him to be the “president of hope,” as he styled himself in 2000.

It remains to be seen whether he lives up to such public expectations.