During Putin\'s first premiership and presidency (1999–2008), real incomes increased by a factor of 2.5, real wages more than tripled; unemployment and poverty more than halved, and the Russians\' self-assessed life satisfaction rose significantly.^[7] Putin\'s first presidency was marked by high economic growth: the Russian economy grew for eight straight years, seeing GDP increase by 72% in PPP (sixfold in nominal).^[7]^[8]^[9]^[10]^[11] As Russia\'s president, Putin and the Federal Assembly passed into law a flat income tax of 13%, a reduced profits tax, and new land and legal codes.^[12]^[13] As Prime Minister, Putin oversaw large scale military and police reform. His energy policy has affirmed Russia\'s position as an energy superpower.^[14] Putin supported high-tech industries such as the nuclear and defence industries. A rise in foreign investment^[15] contributed to a boom in such sectors as the automotive industry. Putin has cultivated a \"he-man\" and \"super hero\" image and is a pop cultural icon in Russia with many commercial products named after him. He is currently ranked as the world\'s most powerful person according to Forbes.[16]

Russia: Sovereignty, Authority, and Power