Putin does a U-turn on term limits
MOSCOW: Vladimir Putin changed his mind and backed a plan to allow him to run for two more presidential terms because of the current turbulent period in the world, his spokesman said, in the Kremlin’s first public explanation of a move that would let him rule until 2036.
“The situation in the world has become less stable,” spokesman Dmitry Peskov told a conference call. He cited the coronavirus pandemic, the risks of “global recession”, numerous “acute regional conflicts” and western sanctions as among the factors that led to Mr Putin’s decision.
“In these difficult years, the stability of the authorities, the firmness and consistency of government have huge significance,” he told reporters on a conference call. “In such hard years, some countries have taken decisions to allow the incumbent president to remain on his path into the future.”
Mr Putin had previously said he would respect term limits, meaning he would have had to step down in 2024, even as he left the door open to take another role to retain control. But on Tuesday, he reversed himself and backed a constitutional amendment that would exempt him from the restrictions. While Mr Putin had been widely expected to find a way to extend his 20-year rule, he suggested he would likely step down as president.
Under the new plan, Mr Putin, 67, would be allowed to run for up to two more terms, opening the way for him to remain president until 2036 when he would be 83.
The constitutional amendments were approved by parliament this week and are expected to go to a national vote next month after Mr Putin signs them and the Constitutional Court signs off. They would take effect immediately.