Meaning: The quote by Garry Kasparov, a Russian pro-democracy activist and former world chess champion, addresses the issue of political succession in Russia and the perceived lack of viable alternatives to President Vladimir Putin. The statement reflects Kasparov's skepticism about a smooth and democratic transfer of power in Russia, as well as his concern about the prospects for genuine political change in the country.

President Putin has been a dominant figure in Russian politics for over two decades, first as prime minister and then as president, and his grip on power has remained strong amid speculation about potential successors. Kasparov's assertion that the only successor to Putin is Putin himself reflects the widely held view that the Russian political system is heavily centralized around the current president, and the prospects for a genuine transition to a new leader are uncertain.

The notion of President Putin stepping down voluntarily and selecting a successor is dismissed by Kasparov as a dream, highlighting the perceived unlikelihood of Putin relinquishing power willingly. This skepticism is grounded in the absence of a clear and transparent political process for identifying and grooming potential successors within the Russian leadership. The lack of institutionalized mechanisms for succession planning has contributed to the perception that Putin's departure from office is unlikely to occur through a democratic and orderly process.

Furthermore, Kasparov's suggestion that a potential successor chosen by Putin would likely be "as bad as him" reflects his apprehension about the continuity of the current political system and the lack of genuine alternatives within the Russian leadership. This sentiment underscores concerns about the persistence of authoritarian tendencies and the absence of meaningful political pluralism in Russia's power structures.

The quote encapsulates the broader debate about the state of democracy and political succession in Russia, where the concentration of power in the hands of a single leader has raised questions about the prospects for genuine political change and the emergence of new leadership. Kasparov's perspective as an outspoken critic of the Russian government and an advocate for democratic reform underscores the deep-seated challenges facing Russia's political development.

In conclusion, Garry Kasparov's quote captures the prevailing skepticism about the prospects for a democratic transition of power in Russia and the absence of viable alternatives to President Putin within the current political landscape. The assessment of potential successors and the perceived limitations of the existing political system reflect broader concerns about the consolidation of power and the prospects for genuine political change in Russia. As the country continues to grapple with questions of political succession and democratic governance, the quote resonates as a reflection of the complex and contentious dynamics shaping Russia's political future.