Today, Tuesday, the Russian State Duma approved constitutional amendments that included a sudden clause included in the last moments, and opens the door for President Vladimir Putin to run for a new term.
Today, Putin made a surprise speech in the State Duma, in which he did not touch on the substance of the matter, but pointed out that the "states counter" could be whistled, provided that the Constitutional Council agreed to that.
He said, "This option may be possible in principle, but provided that the Constitutional Council formally concludes that such an amendment does not contradict the Basic Law, and only if citizens support such an amendment during the national referendum on April 22."
Putin stressed that Russia needs "strong presidential power" and that "stability must be a priority." He believed that "these amendments are necessary for a long time and I am confident that they will be beneficial to society."
Today, the State Duma approved these constitutional amendments, in a second reading, by a majority of 382 deputies, compared to 44 abstentions and no opposition votes. A third, less important reading is scheduled for tomorrow, Wednesday, and that the amendments will be transmitted on the same day to the Senate for approval in a formality.
According to the current constitution, Vladimir Putin does not have the right to run again after the end of his current term in 2024, which is his fourth in total and the second in succession. However, in the morning a deputy from the ruling United Russia party added a paragraph to "whistle the counter" of the presidential states if the amendments were approved in the popular referendum.
Thanks to this amendment, Putin, 67, could theoretically nominate another two terms from six years to remain in the Kremlin until 2036.
The amendment of the constitution that Putin suddenly announced last January is the first since the current constitution was approved in 1993.
Many analysts believe that these amendments give Putin's hand to maintain his influence and keep the regime he built during his 20 years in power.
The amendments reinforce some of the powers of the president, who will, for example, be able to refuse to pass a law passed by two-thirds of the deputies, or to appoint a large number of judges.
While the amendments give parliament the right to choose the head of government, the president will reserve the right to remove him or any of its members at will.
In light of the declining standard of living and changes in the pension system that did not enjoy popular support, Putin also decided to include a paragraph in the constitution regarding a minimum wage and reconsider pension allocations according to inflation rates. Other amendments reflect the conservative nature of the Russian president, including the inclusion of a paragraph on "Faith in God."
"This path is striking. Putin has been in power for 20 years, but he will run for the first time," said Alexei Navalny, Russia's most prominent critic, on Twitter.
However, Putin denies the accusations of seeking to consolidate his authority. He stressed last week that any leader who does everything in his power to preserve his powers may "destroy" the country, and "this is what I do not want to do."