Rumors about the health of Russian President Vladimir Putin have been circulating regularly and are gaining increasing attention. Political analyst Abbas Gallyamov, in an interview with the YouTube channel “Segodnya,” stated that Putin’s health situation could become a key factor in shaping the future of Russian politics. If something were to happen to the current Russian leader, the role of acting head of state would likely pass to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
Constant Stress and the President’s Health
Gallyamov emphasizes that the rumors about Putin’s poor health are not coincidental. The prolonged stress that the Russian president has been under could negatively affect his health. Although Putin has access to the best medical care, the stress from the failure of the war and the collapse of his main strategies is a significant risk factor.
The Russian army, which he has long positioned as a symbol of political success, has shown its incapacity. This failure has become apparent not only to Russians but also to the entire world, which undoubtedly puts additional pressure on Putin.
Why Mishustin Has a Chance to Become the Successor
Against the backdrop of political tension and protest sentiments in Russia, the figure of Mikhail Mishustin appears quite promising. As Gallyamov points out, Mishustin is not associated with responsibility for the war or the general crisis in the country. This makes him a more “peaceful” candidate compared to aggressive figures like Patrushev or Sechin.
The expert also notes that Mishustin’s disapproval rating remains minimal. He is disliked, but not hated. This neutrality could become an important factor in the event of a change in power. As history shows, leaders during transitional periods are often those who meet the least resistance from the political class.
The Political Potential of Apathy
Mishustin looks more like a “technocrat” than a political player, and his apolitical stance may work in his favor. In the current conditions of uncertainty and chaos in Russian politics, a neutral figure as prime minister has significant potential.
Similar scenarios have occurred in the history of the Soviet Union, when leaders came to power without facing strong opposition. This was the case with Nikita Khrushchev and Leonid Brezhnev, for example.
Is a change of power scenario possible?
Although a real change of leadership in Russia might be postponed indefinitely, discussions about a successor signal changes in the country’s political climate. In the event of a sudden deterioration of Putin’s health or another unpredictable event, Mishustin is most likely to take the helm of power.
Despite the tense political situation in Russia, Mishustin remains one of the least controversial figures, making him a potential compromise candidate for the political elite.
Conclusion
Rumors about Putin’s health are likely to remain a relevant topic for discussion both within and beyond Russia. While the country’s future depends on many factors, the figure of Mikhail Mishustin appears as a key element in the potential power transition. Despite the uncertainty, his neutrality and low negative rating give him significant chances of becoming a compromise leader during the transitional period.
