Putin's Plan: The Fate of Russia Outlined Through Election Year

Russia’s presidential and governmental elections happen every six years, with the next vote happening this March. While elections are often thought to be exciting and for the most part, unpredictable, analysts agree that this year’s results have already been set in stone. Vladimir Putin, the current ruler of Russia, has been highly praised by many of his country’s media outlets and overall demographic, and is thought to have staged opposing parties with less significant characters to further ensure his chance of winning and make the ballot appear more competitive.

Nevertheless, it is agreed that this election should not be deemed any less important just because of its preordained nature. In his campaign, Putin aims to reach the masses and preach his strict plan of action that would help strengthen Russia over the next six years.

The president has made his alignments to the right extremely clear, voicing his discontentment for the LGBTQIA+ community and criticizing the abnormality of having an abortion.

Former U.S. president Donald Trump has begun to extend his unwavering support to Putin, as the main outline for America’s Conservative party closely matches Russia's stronger ideals. Trump has even gone so far as to say he was willing to compromise the well-being of Ukraine in order to help Putin implement a more radical system.

Communication channels closely associated with Putin and the Kremlin have been asserting their viewpoints as early as 2013, an instance being when the evening news host of Russian state television, Dmitry Kiselyov, argued, “I think that just imposing fines on gays for homosexual propaganda among teenagers is not enough. They should be banned from donating blood, sperm. And their hearts, in case of the automobile accident, should be buried in the ground or burned as unsuitable for the continuation of life.”

However, these right-wing propositions targeting the queer community and vulnerable expecting mothers have the power to cause great harm to Russia’s citizens.

Russian women have generally had access to abortion, as the process has been legal up to the 12th week of pregnancy and later stages in special circumstances, too. Though ironic, Putin clarifies he still respects women’s rights, and wants to ban abortion solely to help Russia’s population grow. Regardless, experts have continued to highlight how directly banning abortion would not help spark a populous increase. Taking away a basic right from a gender that makes up about 54% of Russia’s citizenry would potentially anger millions of women, acting as a perfect catalyst for rebellion.

Categorizing LGBTQIA+ individuals as an “extremist organization” and thus eradicating them from Russia’s society would also pose great dangers to the country’s growth and facilitation of newer ideas.

Ultimately, by carrying through these drastic measures, Putin may be restricting development within his country and jeopardizing the prosperity, comfort, and security of his civilians.

Stay Sunny,

Asmi