Having, in fact, formed a tsarist autocratic regime, Russian President Vladimir Putin could without difficulty declare himself emperor, but because he likes a show and appears embarrassed to refer to himself as he “really” is, the emperor of Russia, the Kremlin ruler “clings to the attributes of a republic,” Vladimir Pastukhov says.
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Paul Goble: Putin could declare himself emperor
Waiters hold trays of champagne ready for a reception while Russia's President Vladimir Putin is seen on a TV screen as he speaks during the final plenary meeting of the 'Valdai' International Discussion Club members in the Russian town of Valday some 360 kilometers northwest of Moscow, on Sept. 19, 2013.
