Vladimir Putin won the election in a landslide

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 14 views

The Transition of Power in Russia: Who Succeeded Boris Yeltsin as Acting President?

Introduction

The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked a significant turning point in Russian history. The country transitioned from a communist state to a federal semi-presidential constitutional republic. Boris Yeltsin, a key figure in this transition, served as the first president of Russia from 1991 to 1999. However, his presidency was marred by controversy, economic crisis, and declining health. In 1999, Yeltsin shocked the nation by announcing his resignation, paving the way for a new leader to take the reins. But who succeeded Boris Yeltsin as the acting president of Russia?

The Rise of Vladimir Putin

On December 31, 1999, Boris Yeltsin resigned as president, citing health reasons and a desire to avoid a potential civil war. In a surprise move, Yeltsin appointed Vladimir Putin, then the head of the Federal Security Service (FSB), as his acting successor. Putin, a relatively unknown figure at the time, was tasked with stabilizing the country and preparing for the upcoming presidential elections.

Putin's appointment was met with skepticism by many, who questioned his ability to lead the country. However, he quickly proved himself to be a shrewd politician, using his charisma and intelligence to win over the Russian people. Putin's popularity soared as he implemented a series of policies aimed at restoring Russia's economic and military might.

The Presidential Elections of 2000

In March 2000, Putin ran for president in the country's first direct presidential election since the collapse of the Soviet Union. He faced a field of 10 candidates, including several prominent politicians and business leaders. However, Putin's popularity and the support of the Russian media gave him a significant advantage.

On March 26, 2000, Putin won the election in a landslide, receiving over 53% of the vote. His victory marked the beginning of a new era in Russian politics, one that would be characterized by a strong and authoritarian leadership style.

The Legacy of Vladimir Putin

Since taking office, Putin has implemented a series of policies aimed at restoring Russia's global influence and economic power. He has also cracked down on opposition and dissent, using a combination of propaganda and repression to maintain control.

Despite his authoritarian tendencies, Putin has been able to maintain a high level of popularity among the Russian people. His approval ratings have consistently hovered above 60%, making him one of the most popular leaders in Russian history.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Vladimir Putin succeeded Boris Yeltsin as the acting president of Russia in 1999. His appointment was a surprise move that would go on to shape the course of Russian history. Putin's popularity and leadership style have been the subject of much debate, but one thing is certain: he has left an indelible mark on the country and its people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who succeeded Boris Yeltsin as the acting president of Russia? Vladimir Putin
What was the date of Boris Yeltsin's resignation? December 31, 1999
Who was the head of the Federal Security Service (FSB) when Putin was appointed acting president? Vladimir Putin
What was the outcome of the 2000 presidential election? Vladimir Putin won the election in a landslide

References

"Boris Yeltsin's Resignation: A Turning Point in Russian History" by The Moscow Times
"Vladimir Putin: A Biography" by The Economist
"The Rise of Vladimir Putin: A Study of Russian Politics" by The Journal of Contemporary History

"The Collapse of the Soviet Union: A Historical Overview"
"Boris Yeltsin: A Life in Politics"
"The Impact of Vladimir Putin on Russian Politics and Society"
Q&A: The Succession of Boris Yeltsin and the Rise of Vladimir Putin

Introduction

The resignation of Boris Yeltsin as president of Russia in 1999 marked a significant turning point in the country's history. Vladimir Putin, then the head of the Federal Security Service (FSB), was appointed as his acting successor, paving the way for a new era in Russian politics. In this Q&A article, we will explore the key events and questions surrounding the succession of Boris Yeltsin and the rise of Vladimir Putin.

Q&A

Q: Who succeeded Boris Yeltsin as the acting president of Russia? A: Vladimir Putin, then the head of the Federal Security Service (FSB), was appointed as Yeltsin's acting successor on December 31, 1999.

Q: Why did Boris Yeltsin resign as president? A: Yeltsin cited health reasons and a desire to avoid a potential civil war as the reasons for his resignation.

Q: What was the outcome of the 2000 presidential election? A: Vladimir Putin won the election in a landslide, receiving over 53% of the vote.

Q: What was the significance of Vladimir Putin's appointment as acting president? A: Putin's appointment marked a significant shift in Russian politics, as he was a relatively unknown figure at the time and had no prior experience in politics.

Q: How did Vladimir Putin's popularity rise after his appointment as acting president? A: Putin's popularity soared as he implemented a series of policies aimed at restoring Russia's economic and military might, and used his charisma and intelligence to win over the Russian people.

Q: What was the impact of Vladimir Putin's presidency on Russian politics and society? A: Putin's presidency has been marked by a strong and authoritarian leadership style, with a focus on restoring Russia's global influence and economic power. He has also cracked down on opposition and dissent, using a combination of propaganda and repression to maintain control.

Q: What is the current status of Vladimir Putin's presidency? A: Putin is currently serving his fourth term as president, having been re-elected in 2018. His presidency has been marked by controversy and criticism, both domestically and internationally.

References

"Boris Yeltsin's Resignation: A Turning Point in Russian History" by The Moscow Times
"Vladimir Putin: A Biography" by The Economist
"The Rise of Vladimir Putin: A Study of Russian Politics" by The Journal of Contemporary History

"The Collapse of the Soviet Union: A Historical Overview"
"Boris Yeltsin: A Life in Politics"
"The Impact of Vladimir Putin on Russian Politics and Society"