GROZNY (Realist English). Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov said he is prepared to take part in the upcoming election for head of the Chechen Republic if such a proposal comes from Russian President Vladimir Putin and is supported by the region’s residents.
Speaking during his annual televised Q&A session, Kadyrov stressed that his decision would depend on both federal approval and public backing. “I will go to the elections if the president proposes it and the people support it,” he said. At the same time, he acknowledged fatigue with holding office, adding that new figures could potentially bring fresh approaches to governance. “If you ask me personally, I am already fed up with this power. I think new forces and new people could be more interesting in improving the situation,” Kadyrov said.
He underlined, however, that regardless of any future position, he intends to remain aligned with the political and ideological legacy of Akhmat Kadyrov, the first president of Chechnya and his father. “Wherever I am, I am a companion of Akhmat-Khadzhi, and I will follow this path until the end of my life,” he said.
Chechnya is set to undergo a major electoral cycle in 2026. Voters in the republic are expected to elect the head of the region, deputies to Russia’s State Duma, members of the Chechen parliament, the Grozny City Duma, as well as representative bodies in 15 municipal districts.
Kadyrov’s remarks leave his political future open, linking any potential candidacy to the stance of the federal leadership and public support—two decisive factors in Chechnya’s political system.
