Who is 40-year-old to challenge Putin in the election?

Periskopi

11 December 2023, 16:37(3 years ago)

Vladimir Putin announced on Friday that he will run for president, but who will be facing? An unknown woman is challenging the Russian leader. It is called Yekaterina Duntsova, 40, journalist, lawyer and mother of three, who, despite poor political experience, aims to oust Putin's seat in the March 17th elections. [...]

She has pledged peace with Ukraine, the release of imprisoned government critics and Russia's presentation of a humane face, listening to citizens' concerns. According to her, this could give hope to opponents of the military operation in Ukraine, centralisation of power and iron hand towards instability. Duntsova is aware of the danger.

From labels as a foreign agent to imprisonment. I can imagine what the consequences would be for me”, Yekaterina Duntsova, candidate for president, Russia, said:

Asked what Russia will look like if it wins, she says: “S first will be a Russian human face, which is not closed but peaceful, friendly and ready to cooperate with everyone based on respect. Above all, such respect should extend throughout the country. It's important to reconcile the people who live here”.

For Duntsova, even reaching the second round will be a victory, since supporting the current head of state is not as high as polls say, that 90 percent of the population supports it.

A group called “Central Headquarters”, created by activists who help the fugitives get settled abroad, believes Putin's participation of the challengers constitutes a kiloometric stone.

“She is the only woman running and the only candidate not included in the government's affairs and relatives”, said Andrei Davydov, co-ordinator of the “Central Headquarters”.

Other analysts believe Duntsova has little chance to register as a candidate, as she could become the leader of the anti-Putin sensation. /tema/