Putin power move

Vladimir Putin has signed a new law which allows him to run for the presidency of Russia two more times, meaning he could stay in office until 2036. The law sets a two-term limit on the presidency, but it also resets Putin’s record so that his four terms to date do not count. Putin, who is 68 years old, could now remain leader for even longer than 20th century dictator Joseph Stalin, who ruled the Soviet Union for more than two decades. The legislation formalises changes to Russia’s constitution, which won public approval last year. Election monitors said the plebiscite was tainted by pressure on voters, propaganda, a lack of opposition and a lack of transparency.