Alexei Navalny’s widow is considering a political career – after Putin

The widow of Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny is considering her own political career in her home country if President Vladimir Putin is no longer in power. Yulia Navalnaya was asked in a BBC interview whether she could imagine ever running for president.

Navalnaya told the British broadcaster that her goal was to implement changes. “If I ever return to Russia, I will take part in the elections.” As a candidate? “As a candidate.”

Navalnaya is currently promoting the autobiography “Patriot” of her husband, who died in a Russian prison camp at the beginning of the year. After his death, his wife announced that he would continue his opposition work from exile abroad. The circumstances of Navalny’s death are not clear.

Alexei Navalny’s widow could imagine running for president

Everything has changed in her life and in the life of her family, Navalnaya told the BBC. She has a lot to do and that probably helps her feel okay so far. During Navalny’s time in prison, she felt very close to him. “And of course it’s very difficult without him.”

Navalnaya accuses Putin of having her husband murdered. Even from prison, Navalny was very loud and was Putin’s strongest opponent, Navalnaya said. Could she imagine returning to Russia while Putin was in power? Not as long as Putin is in power, she said. “But I hope that one day this regime will fall and I will return.”