Russia: constitutional reform adopted, towards a fifth mandate for Vladimir Putin?

Vladimir Putin deemed it "possible" to "reset" the counter currently limiting presidential terms in Russia to two. In front of the Parliament, the Russian president indeed announced, Tuesday, March 10, that the Constitutional Court will have to decide if it will be able, or not, to run for a fifth mandate. A declaration following the adoption by Russian deputies, at second reading, of its vast reform of the Constitution.

"In principle, this option would be possible, but on one condition," said Vladimir Putin. "If the Russian Constitutional Court officially concludes that such an amendment is not contrary to the fundamental law", and "only if the citizens support such an amendment during the national vote on April 22".

An amendment that would allow the president to run again after the end of his current term in 2024.

Vladimir Putin took part in a plenary meeting of @state_duma. Main issue: amendments to the Russian Constitution https://t.co/vLvHm3gP5L

Strong presidential power "absolutely necessary"

According to Vladimir Putin in the State Duma, "a strong presidential power is absolutely necessary for Russia", which "the current economic and security situation once again reminds".

While recognizing that "the Russians must have an alternative in any election", he considered that "stability is perhaps more important and must be a priority".

Announced by surprise by the Russian president last January, this first revision of the Constitution since its adoption in 1993 is widely regarded as a way of preparing for the post-2024 period, the date of the end of his last presidential mandate after two consecutive six-year terms.

No vote against

The text was supported by 382 deputies of the Duma, lower house of the Parliament, while 44 abstained. No one voted against.

The third and final reading will take place on Wednesday, the text to be submitted the same day for approval to the Federation Council, the upper house.

MPs supported the amendment to eliminate presidential term limits.
Viacheslav #Volodin: "amendments to the Constitution on the presidential term limits will bring more stability"

Vladimir Putin, who did not specify his intentions for the future, nevertheless said that he was not favorable to the habits of the Soviet era to see the leaders remain in charge until their death.

Aged 67, this former KGB officer has presided over the destinies of Russia since 2000. He has already served four presidential terms, with an interlude in the post of Prime Minister between 2008 and 2012, the presidency then being held by his ex-dolphin Dmitri Medvedev.

For the moment, the next Russian legislative elections are scheduled for September 2021, but on Tuesday, another parliamentarian from the presidential party has proposed holding early parliamentary elections as soon as the constitutional reform has been adopted. Proposal to which the Russian president said he was opposed

With AFP and Reuters

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