Wladimir Schirinowski: Putin's Prophet and Sideshow Fascist

Die Zeit reflects on the enduring, and perhaps disturbing, legacy of Vladimir Zhirinovsky in Russia. While the West largely dismissed him as a provocative showman and a 'court jester' to Putin, this article highlights his continued influence and the surprising trust placed in him by a large segment of the Russian populace, even after his death.

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Der scheinbar unfehlbare Wahrsager heißt Wladimir Wolfowitsch Schirinowski.

The piece frames Zhirinovsky not just as a political figure but as a symbol of Russia's recent history – its turbulent journey through the post-Soviet era and its current trajectory towards authoritarianism and expansionism. His pronouncements, often seen as outlandish abroad, resonated with a domestic audience seeking strong leadership and a restoration of national pride.

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Außerhalb Russlands ist er nicht als Prophet bekannt, sondern als ehemaliger Führer der rechtsextremen Liberaldemokratischen Partei Russlands (LDPR).

It is particularly noteworthy how Russia continues to commemorate Zhirinovsky with exhibitions and conferences. This stands in stark contrast to how such figures are typically treated in Western democracies, where politicians, even controversial ones, rarely maintain such posthumous sway over public opinion. The article implicitly questions why Zhirinovsky's vision of an imperialistic military state continues to hold appeal.

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Bis zu seinem Tod 2022 galt er im Westen als Revanchist, Talkshow-Schreihals, Parlamentsschläger, Berufsfaschist und Hofnarr des Herrschers Wladimir Putin.

From a German perspective, understanding Zhirinovsky's continued relevance is crucial for grasping the undercurrents of Russian political thought and the enduring appeal of nationalist and revanchist ideologies. Die Zeit positions itself as a publication that seeks to dissect these complex phenomena, offering insights that go beyond surface-level reporting on Russian politics.

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Obwohl Schirinowski seit vier Jahren tot ist, vertrauen ihm heute 66 Prozent der Bevölkerung als politischem Führer, Tendenz steigend.