Yeltsin Declares Bid for Second Presidential Term 🇷🇺

(15 Feb 1996) Russian/Eng/Nat

A defiant Boris Yeltsin on Thursday announced he would seek a second term as Russia's president despite doubts about his health and his flagging popularity.

In his home town of Yekaterinburg, Yeltsin gave a speech - at times incoherent - in which he outlined his determination to carry through free-market reforms.

But according to politicians in Moscow, if Russia's president wants to win again, he will have to bring about an end to the war in Chechnya and improve the Russian economy.

In his hometown of Yekaterinburg Yeltsin paid a visit to his father's grave.

A solemn moment aside from a hectic day of campaigning.

Exhibiting all the signs of a candidate, Yeltsin managed to find time for a wander through a local biscuit factory.

He also attended a memorial to war victims of Afghanistan and an inspection tour of the local Metro station.

Communist supporters held a picket protest in Yekaterinburg as Russian President Boris Yeltsin announced his candidacy to seek re-election in June.

The announcement of his bid was widely expected despite his health problems and his flagging popularity.

Yeltsin warned that an alternative candidate would lead the country back to dictatorship and unrest.

SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"It is such a difficult time for the country that I have asked myself not once and not twice if I should run for the presidency again. But as long as there is the threat of the clashes between the Whites and the Reds (Good and Evil: historically Bolsheviks and Imperialists) it is my duty as a citizen of Russia and as a politician who started the reforms in the country to consolidate all good forces to prevent possible future unrest. Though I've been repeatedly asked to resign honorably and to go now would be irresponsible and unforgivable mistake. I have to see through to the end what I've started and to what I've dedicated my life to. I'm sure that I can lead the country through the times of unrest and uncertainty and that's why I have decided to run for the presidency and I'm announcing it in my hometown for the whole world to know."
SUPER CAPTION: Boris Yeltsin, Russian President

Reaction from the Duma - the Russian parliament - has been mixed.

Politicians say his main task will be to put an end to the war in Chechnya as soon as possible as well as improving the living standards of the majority of the Russian population.

Half-hearted reforms and widespread corruption have crippled the Russian economy.

Yeltsin has already promised to pay millions of dollars owed to Russia's miners to avert all-out strike.

SOUNDBITE: (English)
"I think he has some chances, but the main precondition should be the stop of Chechen war and some visible social advantages. It is difficult, but it is possible if state power is still working"
SUPER CAPTION: Vladimir Lukin, deputy leader of Yavlinsky's Yabloko bloc and former Soviet Ambassador to the U-S

Ultranationalist Vladimir Zhirinovsky says Yeltsin will have to overcome major political problems to win the presidential race.

SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"His chances? If he undertakes a series of measures before June 16th then perhaps he has some chance. Finally purge government personnel, put an end to the war in the Caucasus and help the poor - if he sorts out these three issues, then he'll have a chance."
SUPER CAPTION: Vladimir Zhirinovsky

Yeltsin is lagging behind his chief rival, Communist leader Gennady Zyuganov, in the polls, but Russia's first democratically elected president may still make a comeback before the June 16th vote.

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