Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday opened up the possibility of constitutional changes that would allow him to stay in power until 2036, but favor term limits when the country becomes politically "mature."
Putin, who in January unveiled major changes in Russian politics and constitutional reform, is required by the highest legal act to step down in 2024 after his second consecutive and fourth presidential terms expire.
However, in an address to the Duma, the lower house of parliament, Putin yesterday supported changes to the constitution that would formally "reset" the number of his presidential mandates to zero.
"The proposal to remove restrictions for any person, including the current president ... in principle, that option would be possible, but under one condition - if the constitutional court makes an official decision that such an amendment would not conflict with the principles and main provisions of the constitution" , Putin said.
He said that US President Franklin Roosevelt's four terms because of the turmoil in his country at the time is an example that explains why restrictions are sometimes superficial.
"In conditions when the country is going through such shocks and difficulties, of course ... stability is perhaps more important and must be a priority," Putin said, adding that Russia is still recovering from the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
If the constitutional court gives the green light to the amendment and it is supported in a nationwide vote in April, Putin, 67, could serve two more consecutive six-year terms. This means he could remain in power until 2036, when he would be 83 years old.
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