WORKING OUT: The incredible political journey of Viktor Bout in Russia
Viktor Bout, former world-famous Russian arms dealer and inspiration for the film “Lord of War”, has embarked on a new adventure: politics. Last Sunday, he ran in Russia’s regional elections, hoping to become a deputy in the Ulyanovsk Oblast parliament. If his criminal background does not seem to discredit him in the eyes of certain voters, the success of his candidacy remains uncertain.
Viktor Bout returned to Russia last December after spending ten years behind bars in the United States for arms trafficking and terrorism. Shortly after his return, he joined the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR), a far-right party known for its close ties to the Kremlin. The marriage between Viktor Bout and the LDPR seems to be obvious, the party taking advantage of the notoriety of the former “merchant of death” to attract additional votes.
However, despite his dark past, Viktor Bout could have been a political asset for the regime. As a member of the LDPR, he would be under the control of the party leadership and would not pose a threat as a free spirit. Additionally, his fame could attract media attention and spark voter interest, which would indirectly benefit the LDPR and the Kremlin.
However, Viktor Bout’s election campaign appears to have been disappointing so far. According to Russian investigative site Meduza, the LDPR candidate failed to impress voters and garner massive support. His visit to Ukrainian areas contested by Russia, such as the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, also did not generate the expected enthusiasm.
It is important to note that Viktor Bout’s candidacy does not represent just an isolated phenomenon. Rather, it reflects the current political functioning in Russia, characterized by the use of controversial figures to serve the interests of the Kremlin. The LDPR, as an opposition party tolerated by the government, seeks to give an outrageous image of the liberal opposition, while being controlled by the Russian intelligence services.
Viktor Bout’s political career therefore remains uncertain. If his candidacy fails, he could still benefit from a place in parliament if another elected candidate withdraws in his favor, provided the Kremlin wishes it. Regardless, the fact that a former arms dealer could run for office and generate some interest raises questions about the state of Russian politics and the relationship between those in power and controversial figures.
In conclusion, the case of Viktor Bout shows that even the most controversial individuals can try their luck in politics, especially if they know how to leverage their notoriety and benefit from the support of a party under control.. The outcome of this story remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Russian politics continues to have surprises in store for us.