Politics

PUTIN CLAIMS SUCCESSOR MUST BE ‘YOUNG BUT MATURE’

Russian President Vladimir Putin has opened up about who he envisions succeeding him, saying that whoever leads the country after him must be “young enough but mature,” in a rare insight into Kremlin succession plans.

Putin was appointed acting president in 1999 and has been the most influential Russian politician since, serving as president for two consecutive terms, including a stint as prime minister in 2008. He then controversially assumed the presidency again in 2012. His close ally, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has also previously served as president, however it is unclear if he will still be Putin’s choice to succeed him after he takes a back seat.