Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced his intention to run for another term in the 2024 presidential election, extending his rule. Lawmakers have set the date for the presidential election on March 17, 2024. This decision paves the way for Putin to potentially serve a fifth term as president. Putin's announcement comes after he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss oil production, Gaza, and Ukraine during his Middle East tour. This meeting focused on OPEC cooperation and ensuring stable oil prices.
Putin's decision to run for another term comes amid various domestic and international challenges. Internally, Putin's government has faced criticism and protests from opposition groups and allegations of human rights abuses. Externally, Russia has been involved in conflicts such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and Putin's meeting with the Saudi Crown Prince was seen as an opportunity to discuss the situation in the Middle East. Additionally, Putin's government has been working on oil production deals with Saudi Arabia and OPEC.
While Putin's decision to run for another term has garnered support from some, it has also sparked concerns about the consolidation of power and potential further authoritarianism in Russia. Critics argue that Putin's extended rule could limit democratic processes and suppress dissent. However, the Kremlin has stated that there is significant support for Putin's presidency and his decision to run again.
The upcoming presidential election in 2024 will be closely watched both within Russia and internationally. It remains to be seen who Putin's main opponents will be, and how the election will be conducted. Some opposition figures have faced detention and legal challenges, which has raised concerns about the fairness of the election process.