Magomed Daudov Is Running Day-to-Day Affairs in Chechnya
Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov has once again disappeared from public view for more than two weeks. He was last seen in public on February 27, when he joined State Duma deputy Adam Delimkhanov and other senior Chechen officials for prayers at a mosque in Grozny to mark Ramadan.
During Kadyrov’s absence, Magomed Daudov, the chairman of the Chechen government, has been appointed acting head of the republic. Daudov, also known as Lord, is widely seen as one of the most likely successors to Kadyrov. Sources said last week that the Kremlin has backed Lord as Ramzan Kadyrov’s heir. According to those reports, Daudov is expected to take charge of Chechnya while also safeguarding the interests of the Kadyrov family. There are also claims that he has already begun strengthening his own team.
Daudov is now signing all official documents. For example, on March 10, by decree of the head of Chechnya, he declared March 19, 20 and 21 public holidays in the republic in connection with the Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
Kadyrov Has Vanished From the Spotlight Before
Kadyrov has disappeared from public view before, including for longer periods. In 2023 and 2024, the Chechen leader missed the president’s annual address to the Federal Assembly. In January 2025, he was absent from public view for at least 18 days.
The next election for the head of Chechnya is scheduled for September 2026. In February, Lord asked Kadyrov to run for a fifth term. Kadyrov is the longest-serving regional leader in Russia, having held the post since 2007. In response to Daudov’s request, he said he would run again if that decision is supported by President Vladimir Putin.
