MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a state television documentary aired Sunday that he “always” thinks about succession and suggested there could be a future contest involving multiple candidates to lead Russia.
Putin, 72, has ruled Russia longer than any leader since Stalin, serving as president or prime minister since 1999. In the film Russia, Kremlin, Putin, 25 Years, he emphasized that “the choice is for the Russian people,” and indicated that several individuals should be considered to ensure a democratic selection.
While no clear successor has emerged, the constitution stipulates that the prime minister—currently Mikhail Mishustin—would take over presidential duties if Putin were unable to continue.