Vikrant Shekhawat : Oct 22, 2024, 06:55 PM
Yulia Navalnaya: The chances of a major change in Russian politics became stronger when 48-year-old Yulia Navalnaya decided to challenge the power of President Vladimir Putin. Calling Putin her main political opponent, Yulia said that she would return to the country to participate in the upcoming presidential elections in Russia. Yulia has made it clear that she will do everything possible to end Putin's power and when the right time comes, she will enter the electoral fray as a candidate.Who is Yulia Navalnaya?Yulia Navalnaya is the wife of Alexei Navalny, a prominent opposition leader of Russia. Alexei Navalny, who was known for fighting against corruption, remained Putin's biggest political opponent for a long time. Navalny's image in Russia was that of a strong opposition leader who also contested elections against Putin. Although he failed to defeat Putin in the elections, he became a symbol of the anti-corruption struggle among the general public. Navalny, who was serving a prison sentence, died suddenly in February 2024, which shook the Russian political scene.Yulia has leveled several serious allegations against Putin since her husband's death, including claiming that Putin himself ordered her husband's murder. The Kremlin has repeatedly rejected these allegations, but Yulia says she is committed to completing her husband's unfinished work.Navalny's murder: A controversial eventThe death of Alexei Navalny is seen as another in a series of mysterious murders of Putin's opponents in Russia. Navalny's murder became part of many controversies, especially since he was poisoned with a poison called Novichok in Siberia in 2020. After surviving that attack, he was sent to Germany for treatment. When Navalny returned to Russia in January 2021, he was immediately arrested and later sentenced to 19 years in prison. While in prison, Navalny's health suddenly deteriorated and he died in February 2024. Prison officials said he suddenly fainted and could not be revived. Although the actual cause of his death has not yet been made public, claims continue that an attempt was made to kill him by poisoning.Yulia Navalnaya's political futureAfter Navalny's death, a vacuum was created in Russia's opposition movement. For a long time, no face had emerged to organize the opposition. But now Yulia Navalnaya has indicated to fill this void. She has made it clear that she will contest the presidential election when the time is right and challenge Putin's power. Yulia says she will not return to Russia as long as Putin is in power, but her preparations are complete.Yulia's candidacy can bring a big change in the political situation of Russia. However, Putin's popularity is still very strong, especially when he won 87% of the votes in the recent elections. Despite this, Yulia's candidacy could provide a new leadership to the opposition, posing a serious challenge to Putin's long-established power.Putin's power and Yulia's challengeRussian President Vladimir Putin, who has been playing a central role in the country's politics for the past 25 years, recently celebrated his 72nd birthday. Putin, who has had a deep control over Russian politics since 1999, has become president again this year. Despite the war with Ukraine that has been going on since February 2022, Putin won the presidential election with great success. Yulia Navalnaya's challenge could be a major political test for Putin, especially if she succeeds in organizing the opposition and garnering public support.ConclusionYulia Navalnaya's move against Putin's power is a bold and historic decision. Her move is expected to bring about a major change in Russian politics. It will be interesting to see from Yulia's return and her political struggle whether she will be able to unite the opposition and challenge Putin's rule. Putin's grip on power in Russia is strong, but Yulia Navalnaya's challenge could influence Russia's political direction in the times to come.