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Putin, who has been in power for more than 20 years as president or prime minister, has tabled the appropriate amendments as part of a constitutional reform that was supported by a majority of Russians in a referendum last year.
This transformation involves various populist economic measures and the establishment of “traditional values” that the Kremlin has long promoted. A provision was also made to mention the country’s “faith in God”, and another amendment effectively banned same-sex marriage.
At the last minute, Putin backed another amendment that would cancel his previous presidency and allow him to remain in power until 2036. Critics of Putin called the move a ploy to “stay president for life.”
Putin came to power in 2000 and served two four-year terms as president, then handed the seat over to his ally, Dmitry Medvedev. After the latter served a term as president, Putin returned to the helm of the Kremlin in 2012.
During the aforementioned plebiscite, which was held for a week in June and July, in order to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus among the participants, the authorities said almost 78 percent. the voters voted for the reforms.
The independent electoral observer, Golos, said he had received hundreds of complaints of irregularities, such as more than one vote and alleged cases of pressure from employers to vote.
A law passed by parliamentarians on Wednesday will allow Putin to run again in presidential elections after the end of his current term in 2024.
The upper house of parliament intends to consider the legislation in late March, after which it should be signed by Putin.
