Nikolai Makarov (Alternative Russia)

Nikolai Makarov is a Russian politician and the current President of Russia. He was elected in the 2016 elections and re-elected in 2020. Before his election as President, he was the Governor of Belarus from 2010 to 2015, when he resigned to focus on his presidential run, and before that, the Mayor of Minsk from 2006 to 2008. He is known for being a progressive President, even more so than previous Presidents, and is often nicknamed “The Anti-Trump” in comparison to former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Makarov has pledged to help Russia become a “green” country; so far, this includes restrictions on single-use plastics (you need to have proof of a disability to get a plastic straw), and also a complete ban on cryptocurrency and other blockchain technology. Makarov also welcomed refugees from Afghanistan into Russia, especially women and children, after the Taliban regained power following US troops pulling out of the region in 2021.

Makarov has enjoyed massive popular support across Russia, and is often seen as an example for other world leaders, especially in Eastern Europe, to emulate. However, he has been criticized for some things, such as refusing to pull Russian troops out of East Ukraine.