I'll cover. Pooty is not very popular in Russia these days, and supposedly wants to become a university professor after leaving office. He is more a tool of powerful interests than he is a mover & shaker himself. He is stuck in a box and wants out, IMHO.
I don't think he'll seek a third term, but will make sure one of his buddies is put in his place no matter what.
> Pooty is not very popular in Russia these days...
Putin fatigue. Who else is there? Do the Russians want a) an authoritarian, b) a nationalist or c) someone to bring back the Soviet empire? I think what they need is d) someone who can put consumer goods on the shelves.
> He is more a tool of powerful interests than he is a mover & shaker himself.
Well he does have a tendency to round up the oil barons and other high rollers in the powerful interest clique, and he maintains a grip on the media. At the same time he's seen Russia's sphere of influence dwindle--Georgia, Ukraine, etc., and the Chechnia mess drags on.
> He is stuck in a box and wants out, IMHO.
Maybe he does, and maybe he'll abide by the constitution...as long as he doesn't start thinking about his legacy or how indispensible he is.