The president of a democratic state is primarily a civil servant. That is, a person who acts as a special subject of legal relations, who has powers and is a representative of power. As a consequence, this status entails the performance of special duties, as well as the imposition of certain restrictions, for example, a ban on accepting gifts.
The activity of the president is regulated by the legislation existing in the state, often legislative acts complement each other, defining the status of the head of state, the scope of his powers, duties, prohibitions, etc. Thus, in the Russian Federation, the federal law on the status of the president supplements the federal law "On the state civil service" implying that the president is also a civil servant, he is a guideline and example of the behavior of a civil servant for all.
Bans for civil servants
The head of state, according to normative acts and objective logic, should be a standard of behavior, be exacting towards himself and his subordinates, avoid situations and relationships that are dubious or discrediting the reputation of an official, should not allow even the slightest hint of corruption.
The established very numerous restrictions are designed to prevent a conflict between private and state interests, and therefore any kind of presents and presentations to the president, as well as to all other statesmen, are prohibited. The legislator proceeds from the logic that even the slightest encouragement can be a reason for discussion, the emergence of a corruption component, and also become the beginning of bribery and protectionism.
Respect for human rights, their protection and recognition - this is the essence of the president's professional activity.
Exceptions
However, there are exceptions to this rigid rule. In particular, this applies to official gifts.
Official is a gift presented on behalf of a foreign state to another state or its head, representative. Such gifts are given "according to the protocol", i.e. subject to a certain ceremony, are subject to inventory and crediting to the treasury of the recipient state. In this case, another rule comes into play: gifts become state, and not personal property of the head of state. If the president leaves office, the present remains at the state's disposal.
In practice, there is one more exception, which is certainly controversial. The presidents of the countries accept gifts made for birthdays or anniversaries. According to an unwritten rule, the head of state can accept a symbolic gift and gift that is exclusively a subject of personal use, while its price should not be excessively high.
Often, such gifts are preliminarily agreed with the chief of staff of the President and are known in advance.
For example, the Amur tiger cub presented to Vladimir Putin is considered a symbolic gift.
