Term extension may mean return to helm for Putin RussiaMany federal, regional lawmakers would need to approve
BY THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: November 7, 2008
MOSCOW — Russia’s constitution will be amended by year’s end to extend the presidential term to six years, lawmakers promised Thursday — a move that could pave the way for Vladimir Putin’s return to the Kremlin.
Vladimir Putin Russian prime minister
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It would be the first change to the Russian constitution since its adoption in 1993. A six-year term could mean 12 more years as president for Putin — the current prime minister — who has not ruled out getting his old job back.
President Dmitry Medvedev, a Putin protege, had suggested raising the term from four years to six Wednesday in his first state of the nation address.
The constitutional amendment would require a two-thirds majority in the State Duma, the lower house, where pro-Kremlin parties dominate. It would then need to be approved by two-thirds of Russia’s regional legislatures, which also would not be expected to pose any difficulties for the Kremlin.
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