Acting President of Russia

Acting President of Russia is a temporary head of state position in the Russian Federation, assumed when the President of Russia is permanently or temporarily incapacitated. The role is defined by the Constitution of Russia and ensures the continuity of executive power. An acting president exercises the full powers of the presidency but is barred from dissolving the State Duma, calling a referendum, or proposing amendments to the constitution.

Constitutional basis

The position is established by Chapter 4, Article 92 of the Constitution of Russia, which was adopted following the 1993 Russian constitutional crisis. This foundational document outlines the scenarios under which presidential powers are transferred, ensuring stability within the Government of Russia. The procedures are further detailed within federal constitutional law, integrating the role into the broader framework of Russian separation of powers. The Constitutional Court of Russia serves as the ultimate arbiter for any disputes regarding the assumption of acting presidential duties.

List of acting presidents

Only one individual has formally served as Acting President of Russia. Alexander Rutskoy, the then-Vice President of Russia, assumed the role from September 22 to October 4, 1993, during the suspension of President Boris Yeltsin by the Supreme Soviet. However, his authority was contested and ultimately superseded by the resolution of the October 1993 crisis. No acting president has served under the provisions of the current 1993 constitution, as subsequent successions from Boris Yeltsin to Vladimir Putin and from Dmitry Medvedev back to Vladimir Putin occurred through regular inauguration ceremonies.

Powers and duties

The acting president possesses all presidential powers as enumerated in the Constitution of Russia, including the roles of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation and head of the Security Council of Russia. They can issue presidential decrees and directives, oversee the Cabinet of Russia, and represent the nation in international affairs such as at the United Nations or G20. However, explicit constitutional restrictions prohibit dissolving the State Duma, calling a national referendum, or initiating proposals to amend the constitution itself, limitations designed to prevent abuse of temporary authority.

Succession process

Succession is triggered by the president's resignation, persistent incapacity, or removal from office following impeachment by the Federation Council. The Prime Minister of Russia is the first in the line of succession, as stipulated in Article 92. Should the prime minister be unable to serve, duty falls to the chairman of the government. The successor must call a new presidential election within three months to ensure a democratic mandate. This process was notably outlined during the 1999 transfer when Boris Yeltsin resigned, though Vladimir Putin succeeded as president-elect, not as a formal acting president.

Historical instances

The sole historical instance occurred during the 1993 Russian constitutional crisis, a power struggle between President Boris Yeltsin and the parliament. On September 22, 1993, the Supreme Soviet declared Yeltsin removed and swore in Alexander Rutskoy as acting president at the White House. This led to a violent confrontation culminating in the shelling of the White House by forces loyal to Yeltsin. The crisis ended with Yeltsin's victory, the dissolution of the Supreme Soviet, and the ratification of the current constitution. The smooth transition in 2000 and the transition in 2008 occurred without invoking the acting president mechanism.

Category:Presidency of Russia Category:Government of Russia