As Russians are queuing at the polling stations on another historic election day, I would like to congratulate Vladimir Putin on his four presidential mandates.

Addendum I (March 5, 2012)

Four mandates? That is only the minimum number already secured with yesterday’s elections. There are many attractive options ahead, however. Putin could change the constitution and go for the third presidential term in 2024. Also, he could go for another bout as prime minister in 2024, and then return for two more presidential terms from 2030 to 2042. Still better, he could change the constitution and become president for life. Am I exaggerating a bit? Not at all. I have full confidence in Putin, whence my congratulations in the first place.

Addendum II (March 12, 2020)

As of yesterday, Vladimir Putin’s road to four presidential mandates is wide open. And by law. The lower house of the Russian parliament has changed the constitution in his favor, which means that he could stay in power until 2036. At sixty-seven, Putin is as good as president for life just like Xi Jinping of China. One way or another, the parliament will remain at his disposal until his last breath. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Narendra Damodardas Modi will soon approach their parliaments with similar ideas, no doubt. Of the five most powerful humans on the planet at this time, only Donald Trump is likely to stay in power for two terms only. Given the ever-sharper divide between Democrats and Republicans, not even the American parliament could change things in his favor, I reckon. Shucks.