Currently, the record for longest non-royal leader is held by Fidel Castro at 52 years. From 1959 to 2011, he held some position of power in Cuba; spanning the rule of eleven American presidents and ten British prime ministers. But who could exceed this record?
Molotov was considered as a possible candidate to succeed Lenin if neither Trotsky or Stalin made it. Assuming he ruled until his OTL death in 1986, that would put him at 62 years in office.
Similarly, had Kaganovich taken over the Union before 1939, he could have beaten Castro’s record.
If Chiang Kai-shek refused to form a united front with the Communist Party and Zhang Xueliang took over China for life, he would rule the nation for 65 years.
Kim Il-sung’s younger brother Kim Yong-ju had been the Supreme Leader’s next in line before being passed over for Kim Jong-il. He is still alive today. If Kim the Elder died before 1967, Kim Yong-ju would beat Castro’s record. If we take the year Kim Yong-ju was first appointed to major office as his start date (1954), it is possible that he could be in power for 65 years and counting.
While not a non-royal leader, if Puyi lived as long as his younger brother Puren, he could have ruled China for 94 years. While IOTL, the Xuantong Emperor died in 1967, this was due to doctors in the PRC being hesitant to treat him during the Cultural Revolution.
Ramón Serrano Súñer was a Spanish politician in the early days of Francoist Spain. Had he taken power in 1938 (say Franco was killed in action), he could have ruled for 62 years.
Can you guys think of any other possibilities?
Molotov was considered as a possible candidate to succeed Lenin if neither Trotsky or Stalin made it. Assuming he ruled until his OTL death in 1986, that would put him at 62 years in office.
Similarly, had Kaganovich taken over the Union before 1939, he could have beaten Castro’s record.
If Chiang Kai-shek refused to form a united front with the Communist Party and Zhang Xueliang took over China for life, he would rule the nation for 65 years.
Kim Il-sung’s younger brother Kim Yong-ju had been the Supreme Leader’s next in line before being passed over for Kim Jong-il. He is still alive today. If Kim the Elder died before 1967, Kim Yong-ju would beat Castro’s record. If we take the year Kim Yong-ju was first appointed to major office as his start date (1954), it is possible that he could be in power for 65 years and counting.
While not a non-royal leader, if Puyi lived as long as his younger brother Puren, he could have ruled China for 94 years. While IOTL, the Xuantong Emperor died in 1967, this was due to doctors in the PRC being hesitant to treat him during the Cultural Revolution.
Ramón Serrano Súñer was a Spanish politician in the early days of Francoist Spain. Had he taken power in 1938 (say Franco was killed in action), he could have ruled for 62 years.
Can you guys think of any other possibilities?