Boris Yeltsin Resigns, Putin Becomes Acting President
December 31st, 1999
December 31st, 1999

How Long Ago?
25 years, 2 months, 15 days ago
Location
Moscow, Russia
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Vladimir Putin
- Boris Yeltsin
Links & References
- Vladimir Putin
- Boris Yeltsin
- President of Russia
- Prime Minister of Russia
- Acting President of Russia
Tags
Boris Yeltsin Resigns, Putin Becomes Acting President
Boris Yeltsin announced his resignation as President of Russia, effective immediately. In a televised address, he expressed the need for new leadership and handed over power to Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. Yeltsin's decision marked a significant transition in Russian politics, signaling a new era under Putin, who was presented as a stable figure during a chaotic period in the country’s history. This event set the stage for Putin's eventual consolidation of power in subsequent years.
Yeltsin's resignation marked a new political era.
Putin was appointed acting president immediately.
The televised address was unexpected for the public.
Yeltsin aimed for a stable and prosperous Russia.
What Happened?
In a dramatic televised address, Boris Yeltsin announced his resignation as the first President of Russia. Dated to mark the end of the millennium, Yeltsin's departure was unexpected for many, despite ongoing speculation about his health and political future. Yeltsin stated that he was stepping down to give a new generation a chance to govern, expressing hope for a prosperous future for Russia. Strikingly, he chose to pass on the presidency to Vladimir Putin, his Prime Minister, who had been relatively unknown to the public until then. The moment was a significant political transition that occurred against a backdrop of turmoil in Russia, highlighted by economic struggles, political conflicts, and social unrest that followed the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
Putin, receiving the presidential powers at a pivotal moment, was quickly installed as acting president, leading to his election victory in March of the following year. This transition was framed by Yeltsin's desire for stability, and Putin’s background in the security services gave him an image of strength at a time when the country was perceived to be weak and fragmented. Yeltsin’s resigning speech was marked by nostalgia and a bit of regret but also optimism regarding Russia’s future under his successor.
The transition set off a series of events that would reshape the political landscape of Russia, including the strengthening of the executive branch. Yeltsin’s presidency had been characterized by significant reforms, but also by challenges such as the Chechen War and rampant corruption, issues that Putin would inherit and handle in his own controversial manner. As the nation moved into a new century, the political environment shifted significantly, with Putin’s consolidation of power laying the groundwork for his long-lasting rule.
Why Does it Matter?
The resignation of Boris Yeltsin and the ascension of Vladimir Putin marked a pivotal moment in Russia's post-Soviet history. It shifted the political landscape from the chaotic, reform-oriented years of Yeltsin to a more centralized, authoritarian approach under Putin. This transition not only affected Russian politics but also had significant implications for international relations, as Putin began to reassert Russia’s influence globally, ultimately shaping the geopolitical environment in the 21st century.
Discover More Historic Events from December 31st
WHO Grants First Emergency Use Validation for Vaccine
The World Health Organization announced its first emergency use validation for a COVID-19 vaccine, highlighting the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine's safety and efficacy. This decision marked a significant milestone in the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, aiding countries in their vaccination campaigns. By providing this validation, WHO facilitated broader access to the vaccine, showcasing its commitment to ensuring equitable vaccine distribution during a critical global health crisis.
Continue ReadingWHO Reports Mysterious Pneumonia Cases in Wuhan
On December 31, 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) was informed of a cluster of pneumonia cases with unknown causes detected in Wuhan, China. The unknown illness had caught the attention of local health authorities, prompting them to notify the WHO. As investigations began, it became clear that the incidents were linked to a seafood market in the city, raising concerns about a potential outbreak of a new infectious disease. This notification set off a global alert leading to heightened surveillance and research into the cause.
Continue ReadingBuilding Collapse Claims Thirty-nine Lives
A ten-story residential building in Magnitogorsk, Russia collapsed, resulting in the tragic deaths of thirty-nine individuals. The incident occurred early in the morning, when many residents were still at home. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion before the structure fell, raising concerns about gas leaks. Emergency services responded quickly, initiating search and rescue operations over the rubble to find survivors. Many families were left devastated as they awaited news about their loved ones.
Continue ReadingFire at Downtown Address Hotel Before New Year
A fire broke out at the Downtown Address Hotel in Downtown Dubai just two hours before the highly anticipated New Year's fireworks display. The blaze caused panic among the guests and the crowd gathered as emergency services responded rapidly. Sixteen people were reported injured; one individual experienced a heart attack, another sustained a major injury, while fourteen others sustained minor injuries. The incident raised concerns about safety measures in crowded areas.
Continue ReadingNew Year's Eve Stampede in Shanghai
A large crowd gathered in Shanghai's Bund area to celebrate New Year's Eve when a stampede occurred, resulting in the deaths of at least 36 people and injuring 49 others. The event happened in a popular tourist destination known for its vibrant celebrations. Witnesses described chaos as people surged toward a specific area, leading to the tragic incident. The local authorities faced criticism for the lack of crowd control measures in place.
Continue ReadingNASA's First Gravity Recovery Satellite Launched
NASA achieved a significant milestone by successfully placing the first of two Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) satellites into orbit around the Moon. This mission was designed to map the Moon's gravitational field in unprecedented detail, enhancing our understanding of the Moon's internal structure and geological history. The GRAIL spacecraft were launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on a mission that promised to provide valuable insights into planetary formation and evolution.
Continue Reading