The Russian leader’s fourth term as head of stated finishes in 2024 by which time he is constitutionally required to step down because he can only serve two terms in a row.
There was speculation regarding Putin’s intentions in January when he fired prime minister Dmitry Medvedev and proposed broader constitutional changes which many saw as a push to hold on to power.
On Tuesday, the lawmaker from the ruling United Russia party, former cosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova, proposed in Russia’s parliament, the Duma, to reset Putin’s presidential term to zero, making it possible for Putin to run again in 2024.
“It’s not about him, it’s about us, the Russian people, and our future. That said, why over complicate the matter and create unnecessary obstacles?” Tereshkova said in the Duma session, according to state-run agency Tass.
“If this is what the situation requires, if this is what the people want, then the incumbent head of state should have a legal opportunity to run for president in accordance with the amended Constitution.”
Putin then made a surprise appearance at the Duma, telling lawmakers that he was reluctant to extend his term but would let the country’s constitutional court decide.
“In principle, this option would be possible, but on one condition—if the constitutional court gives an official ruling that such an amendment would not contradict the principles and main provisions of the constitution,” Putin told lawmakers, according to Reuters.
After his speech, lawmakers unanimously approved the constitutional reform bill. United Russia said it would back resetting presidential terms, while the country’s Communist Party said it would oppose the move, The Moscow Times reported.
If as expected, it is approved by both houses, the legislation will be put to the public on April 22 after which Putin, 67, could serve another two six-year terms back-to-back. It means he could stay in power at least until 2036, when he would be 83 years old, overtaking Josef Stalin’s 29 years as leader of the Soviet Union, from 1924 until his death in 1953.
The move on Tuesday by the Duma sparked anger from Alexey Navalny, who although is banned from television, has an online audience of millions, drawn to his revelations of graft and corruption among Russia’s political elite.
During the Duma proceedings, Navalny tweeted: “What vile and shameful clowning is going on in the state Duma. Just stupid even.” He followed it up with, “It’s all clear. Putin will be president for life.”
“Really. Why twist and turn when you can just appoint Putin as king,” he said in another tweet.
Russian opposition politician Leonid Vilkov wrote on Facebook: “And so today in Russia, there has been a putsch. A Latin American-style government coup.”
Newsweek has contacted the Duma’s press service for comment.
