Longtime Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov again threatened on Nov. 26 to resign, which he periodically does when he wants something from the Kremlin. According to Kadyrov, Chechnya — an autonomous region of Russia — needed a strong leader such as himself to establish order, but now that order has been achieved he is no longer needed. He named several people capable of assuming his position were he to resign. In response, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Kadyrov's statements were nothing new, but only confirmation that he is part of Russian President Vladimir Putin's inner circle and would do as Putin bids, even if it means resigning. For now, according to Peskov, Kadyrov will remain president of Chechnya.
Even so, Kadyrov's timing is a conspicuous reminder to the Kremlin of his importance. Last year, the Chechen leader backhandedly offered to refrain from running for re-election after the Kremlin cut subsidies to Chechnya and as accusations mounted against him for playing a role in the assassination of Kremlin critic Boris Nemtsov. Recently, Kadyrov is again coming under pressure for alleged human rights abuses, including his treatment of homosexuals, promotion of underage marriages, and attacks on journalists. Moreover, Russian lawmakers are once again considering subsidy cuts to Chechnya, and Kadyrov is struggling with Russian security forces over security in the republic and lucrative energy assets.
Feeling the weight of the criticism against him, Kadyrov is taking the opportunity to remind the Russian people and the Kremlin that he has long been analogous with stability. In fact, 68 percent of the Russian population, including many in the Kremlin, believes that stability in Chechnya is dependent on Kadyrov remaining in power. Stability is also paramount for Putin: He's gearing up to run for a fourth presidential term in an election characterized by increased opposition and political infighting.
Kadyrov could also be positioning himself for a larger role in Russian politics. According to rumors, a major Kremlin reshuffle will accompany Putin's almost certain victory in March and at that time major positions will be opened, including prime minister — a position that Kadyrov reportedly covets. Kadyrov has been developing ties across Russia and abroad for years, visiting former Soviet states and Middle Eastern countries trying to shore up his position. But the possibility of Kadyrov moving into a federal role is controversial and it would widen the divides in the Kremlin, making it unlikely. Regardless, Kadyrov's veiled threats to resign and the similarly veiled suggestion he could move into national politics shines a light on just how fragile the Kremlin system is becoming and just how vulnerable it is to individual whims and maneuverings.
