President of the Soviet Union (TheodoresTomfooleries)

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President of the
Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
Председатель Союза Советских Социалистических Республик
Coat of arms of the Soviet Union (1956–1991).svg
Flag of the Soviet Union (TT).svg
Sabrican Garayev.png
Incumbent
Sabrican Garayev
since 8 April 2024
StyleMr. President
(informal)
His Excellency
(formal)
TypeHead of state
Member ofCentral Committee of the CPSU
Council of Defence
Supreme Soviet
ResidenceKremlin Senate, Moscow
NominatorPresidium of the Supreme Soviet
AppointerSupreme Soviet
Term lengthFive years,
renewable with no limit
Constituting instrumentConstitution of the Soviet Union
PrecursorChairman of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet
(1936-1989)
Inaugural holderGrigory Romanov
FormationMay 25, 1989; 35 years ago (1989-05-25)
DeputyPresident of the Supreme Soviet

The president of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (Russian: Председатель Союза Советских Социалистических Республик, lit. 'Chairman of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics') is the head of state of the Soviet Union, nominated by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet and elected by members of the Supreme Soviet. It is constitutionally the highest position in the country, although de-facto its powers are surpassed by the General Secretary of the Communist Party.

As the head of state, the president represents the Soviet Union both domestically and internationally, directs the activities of the Presidium, and is responsible for the country's defense as a secretary of the Council of Defence.

By law, the president must be a member of the Supreme Soviet. In practice, since Leonid Brezhnev in 1977, the position has been held by every succeeding General Secretary. The president also serves as a member of the Central Committee of the Communist Party.

The tenure of the presidency is five years and renewable with no term limits.