i feel like the idea of appointing governors and municipal leaders instead of electing them is actually even more insidious than you'd think.
when it comes to regular democracies, where do you get the best candidates for the top office? usually from people who have proven themselves capable regional politicians.
it's not just that there's "no one who can replace putin", as a lot of people say. it's that the current political system makes it way harder for one to come about.