Putin Becomes Acting President of Russia

What Happened?

On New Year’s Eve in 1999, Russians turned on their televisions expecting holiday greetings but instead saw President Boris Yeltsin announce his resignation. Yeltsin, Russia’s first post Soviet president, admitted that the country faced serious problems and asked the people for forgiveness for mistakes made during his time in office. His decision shocked the nation and the world.

According to Russia’s constitution, the prime minister automatically becomes acting president when the president resigns. This meant that Vladimir Putin, a relatively new and little known political figure, suddenly became the most powerful leader in Russia. Within minutes, the direction of the country had changed.

Yeltsin had led Russia through the chaotic 1990s after the collapse of the Soviet Union. While his presidency helped introduce elections and a market economy, it was also marked by economic collapse, corruption, rising poverty, and declining public trust. By the end of the decade, many Russians were exhausted and looking for stability.

Vladimir Putin presented himself as calm, disciplined, and decisive, a sharp contrast to Yeltsin’s unpredictable leadership. A former intelligence officer, Putin promised order, strength, and national pride. His tough response to conflict in Chechnya quickly increased his popularity among voters who wanted security and control.

Yeltsin’s resignation triggered an early presidential election in March 2000. With the advantage of already holding power and strong media support, Putin won the election and officially became president. His victory marked the beginning of a new era in Russian politics.

Over time, Putin centralized power, weakened independent media, and limited political opposition. While some Russians welcomed the stability he brought, critics warned that democracy was being replaced by authoritarian rule. The moment Yeltsin stepped down in 1999 became the starting point for Putin’s long and lasting dominance over Russia.

Why It Matters

Yeltsin’s resignation marked a turning point in Russia’s post-Soviet history. The peaceful handover of power appeared to continue Russia’s democratic experiment, but it also placed authority in the hands of Vladimir Putin, whose leadership would steadily concentrate power and weaken democratic institutions. Understanding this transition helps explain how Russia moved away from the openness of the 1990s and toward a more centralized and authoritarian system that continues to shape global politics today.