Putin sure there will be other candidates in addition to Ksenia Sobchak in Russian presidential election

Ksenia Sobchak file photo

XIAMEN. Sept 5 (Interfax) – Russian President Vladimir Putin was unaware of television personality Ksenia Sobchak’s plans to run for president before the press conference in Xiamen on Tuesday.

“This is the first time I’ve heard of her intention to run for president. I am sure there will be other candidates too,” Putin told reporters after the BRICS summit.

As to whether there is a female candidate better than Sobchak, Putin said, “It is not up to me to decide who is better for the Russian people and the Russian state. The final choice is made in the election, but every person has the right to nominate oneself in compliance with the law, if they meet the requirements of the law. Ksenia Sobchak is no exception.”

“I have always liked her father. He was an outstanding figure of modern Russian history. I am not exaggerating, and I am not being ironic. He was a very decent man, who played a big role in my life,” Putin said.

“However, personal considerations cannot play an essential role in decisions such as running for president. That will depend on her program and the way she conducts her campaign if she really decides to run. The success or failure of her undertaking will depend on that,” he said.

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