What did Mr. Gorbachev say about President Putin's decision to run for re-election?

The last leader of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev has expressed his views on incumbent President Vladimir Putin's decision to run for a fourth term in the current complex international context.

Former Soviet leader Gorbachev (left) and President Putin. Photo: CNews

“Russia is facing many problems in the current context and the international situation is very complicated. This will lead to a natural reaction from people, which is to act safely and make decisions carefully,” the 87-year-old former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev told RIA Novosti when asked about current President Vladimir Putin’s decision to run for re-election.

“Putin is currently a leader who enjoys popular support and this factor must be taken into account. I think this is the goal we are aiming for – the trend of popular support. I see that Putin does not take this issue lightly. He understands that the responsibility is very big,” Gorbachev added.

According to the former Soviet leader, all Russians, from intellectuals to workers, have the same stance: President Putin should continue his work for another term. Having witnessed the collapse of the former Soviet Union, Mr. Gorbachev admitted that he himself is a supporter of the principle of power rotation. However, in the current complicated political context, it is better for the Russian people not to make hasty decisions.

“Of course, it is necessary to pave the way for new generations, that is a very important principle. But there are also periods in history and in life when we have to adjust so as not to lose our way and to make the right choices. I think in the current situation, we are going through a period when the slogan should be ‘no rush’. Let’s take everything into account. I think that is why it took Putin a long time to officially announce his decision [to run for re-election],” the former Soviet leader added.

This is not the first time Mr. Gorbachev has spoken out in support of President Putin and praised his achievements as Russia’s leader. In 2014, Mr. Gorbachev reminded the Russian people to always remember that it was President Putin who saved Russia from collapse, and that Mr. Putin’s building of Russia into the sovereign and unified country it is today was a “historic achievement.”

After much public speculation, on December 6, President Putin announced his decision to run for re-election for a fourth term. Recent poll results show that Mr. Putin's approval rating is above 80%.

Mr. Putin served two terms as president before becoming prime minister in 2008. He was re-elected president in 2012. Observers believe that with his approval rating always at a high level, Mr. Putin can easily be re-elected for a fourth term, scheduled to take place on March 18 next year.

According to Dan Tri