December 31, 1999

Yeltsin’s fatal decision

Yeltsin’s poor health prevents him from running the country fully, so in August 1998, after a financial crisis that severely undermined the country’s economy, most State Duma deputies call for Yeltsin’s resignation. The new political crisis causes some changes in the government, and in late 1999 Yeltsin decides to resign, handing over power to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

It is worth mentioning that before the default, there was a demand for reformers in Russian society. Therefore, it was expected that Boris Nemtsov would become Yeltsin’s successor. However, after the collapse of the ruble (Russian currency), everything is chaotic in Russia. Yeltsin relies on the power of the former security officer Putin.

He announces his decision on December 31 on television. On the same day, Putin signs a decree protecting Yeltsin from prosecution and retaining significant benefits and privileges for him and his family.

This is how the era of one of the most brutal dictators of our time, Vladimir Putin, begins. Boris Nemtsov joins the opposition and becomes Russia’s most powerful oppositionist.