Thursday, August 09, 2018

Russian Church Reportedly Ready to Discuss Restoration of the Monarchy

I don't see this going anywhere for now. Putin is not likely to want anyone in even a ceremonial role that might hold enough moral authority to pose a threat to his rule.

Source.

5 comments:

Chris Jones said...

Putin is not likely to want anyone ... to pose a threat to his rule.

True -- but I can see him doing what Franco did in Spain: he officially restored the monarchy (1947), designated Juan Carlos de Borbon as heir-apparent (1969) but did not allow him to ascend the throne until after his (Franco's) death.

Like you, I can't see Putin tolerating a potential alternative seat of power. But Putin will not be in power forever, and he may want to wield some influence over the sort of regime that succeeds him.

What I don't know is whether the house of Romanov has a credible candidate for the throne to offer; and, if they do not, how a suitable monarch could be chosen.

Chris Jones said...

One further thought:

Given that Russia is now a unitary state, with the non-Russian republics of the former Soviet Union now independent, I would think that a restored sovereign of Russia would logically be a King, rather than an Emperor. If Russia did become a Kingdom rather than an Empire, that would be an interesting way for Russia to send the message that she no longer has imperial pretensions.

I think that would be a good thing for Russia, and a good thing for the world. I wonder what Mr Putin would think about it.

Anonymous said...

Putin himself stated a few months ago that he is in favor of a restoration of the monarchy, albeit in a form more akin to that of the UK than the previous regime.

I think you may think Putin to be more evil villain than he actually is.

Chris Jones said...

I won't speak for our gracious host, but ...

I don't think that Putin is as much an "evil villain" as the American media and the anti-Trump political establishment make him out to be. But at the same time, he is not a nice and gentle man. He does not scruple to be violent and repressive in pursuit of his political and strategic goals; and he does seem intent on maintaining his hold on political power in Russia as long as possible.

On the other hand, it is my view that his principal goal is to defend and pursue the interests of his country by any available means. While I deplore some of the means by which he does so, it seems to me that he has been, and continues to be, effective in furthering the national interests of Russia. I think the citizens of any country would want to have such a strong, forceful, and effective leader advancing its interests.

John (Ad Orientem) said...

I have thought about the Franco scenario before and it is plausible. As for the heir, there is not unanimity on that subject. However, the Russian Church seems to recognize the Grand Duchess Maria as the head of the Imperial Family.