Czar Vladimir? Putin Acolytes Want to Bring Back the Monarchy
Pro-Kremlin activists want to restore Russian traditions—and hope for a longer reign for Mr. Putin
The last time term limits forced Russian leader Vladimir Putin to step down from the presidency, he became prime minister for a few years.
This time around, a group of pro-Kremlin activists have a different idea: Proclaim him Czar Vladimir.
“We will do everything possible to make sure Putin stays in power as long as possible,” Konstantin Malofeyev, a politically active businessman, said recently to thunderous applause from hundreds of Russian Orthodox priests and members of the country’s top political parties gathered at a conference outside Moscow. They were united by one cause—to return the monarchy to Russia.
While there are no plans to crown a new Emperor and Sovereign of All the Russias, as part of the royal title once went, the idea raises the possibility Mr. Putin could stay beyond the two-term limit the constitution allows. more …