Kadyrov decides to take part in new elections of the head of Chechnya

Ramzan Kadyrov has refuted the rumours that a replacement was searched for him, declaring his readiness to re-nominate for the post of the head of Chechnya at the next election. This Kadyrov's statement contradicts his earlier plans to leave the post.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that Kadyrov had topped the rating of long-lived governors. On April 8, 2021, by that time he had been in office for 14 years. In September 2021, he was elected the head of Chechnya for a new five-year-long term.

"Rumours are spread that they are looking for someone to take my post. They are not looking for anyone; and I will not allow the need to look for anyone. When my term expires, with Allah's permission, I'll run for the post again," the "Chechnya Today" News Agency has quoted Kadyrov as saying.

In his Telegram channel, he also urged residents of the republic "not to take rumours on faith," since the aim of such rumours is "to present Chechnya as an unstable region, and to undermine the leadership's authority."

On May 20, 2021, Kadyrov stated that he would not participate in the upcoming election, if at least "a few percent of the population" opposed his candidacy.

In April 2015, he announced that, being an "infantryman of the supreme commander in chief," he was subordinate to Vladimir Putin and was ready to step down if necessary.