Go into Politics and Come Back

"Go into Politics and Come Back" - memoirs of Sergey Stepashin, Prime Minister of Russia in 1999. By that time, his resume included positions as director of the FSB, Minister of Justice, and Minister of Internal Affairs. At the same time, he was never a classic "silovik". He came to the FSB (then the Federal Security Agency) from the people's deputies, having served as chairman of the state commission investigating the activities of the KGB. He left this position by his own decision after the hostage tragedy in Budyonnovsk. He was always open to the press. He poked fun at himself. When he, a colonel-general, was appointed Prime Minister, he said: "I am not Pinochet, my last name is Stepashin." To the surprise of friends and opponents, he was confirmed by the State Duma for the high position on the first try, which was not common at that time.
Until August 1999, Sergey Stepashin was considered one of the most viable candidates for the presidency. Predictions did not come true. Does Stepashin regret this? Why did his political career develop this way and not otherwise? Were there actions in this career for which the author of the memoirs feels remorse? What was and remains most important for him in politics? Stepashin does not have simple answers to these questions - he has a sincere desire to think about them. And to be truthful to himself and the reader in this regard.
These are the memories of someone who went into politics and returned as a human.