The only successor to President Putin is President Putin himself, and we could of course dream about President Putin stepping down voluntarily and picking a successor which would be probably as bad as him.
This quote highlights the persistent challenge of political succession in authoritarian regimes. It suggests that the leadership's grip on power makes true change unlikely, as the current leader often remains the only viable option for continuity. The idea of voluntarily stepping down is viewed as unlikely, and the potential successors are seen as just as problematic. Such dynamics can perpetuate stagnation, undermine democratic processes, and create a cycle where power remains centralized with little possibility for renewal or reform. This reflects broader concerns about governance, legitimacy, and the challenges faced in transitioning power peacefully in non-democratic contexts.
—Garry Kasparov—