When, in a speech to the nation on January 15, Putin said that the constitution had to be changed, the message was basically the opposite. The current constitution, which states that the president may only sit for two consecutive terms, but a few years later can be re-elected for two more terms, would be scrapped. With the new constitution, the president would only be allowed to sit for two terms, period. The president's power would be limited and the parliament stronger.

No one believed Putin to give up power. So what would he do instead, when he couldn't now hold the presidential post? The speculation was endless. The President of Parliament may be, or chair of, the previously unknown State Council.

A commission was appointed to present proposals for appropriate amendments to the Constitution. The proposals went in a nationalist and morally conservative direction, but also with some emphasis on improvements for the country's children, the elderly and the poor. Some examples:

Diminishing Russia's role as victorious power is prohibited. Marriage applies exclusively between a man and a woman. Russia no longer has to respect international agreements. Health care should be improved, children's and animal rights as well, and both pensions and wages for those with the lowest incomes should be increased.

The decision was already made

The last thing is nothing that a constitution can regulate in practice. But it works well as an argument to get people to like the changes. "Our country, our constitution, our decision" says millions of advertising posters around the country. Although the decision has already been made.

While details were being discussed, and speculation about what new position Putin would take to retain power, Putin did what he usually does - and which he seems to enjoy. He kept secret.

Then came the day of the decisive vote. Then eighty-three-year-old Dumbledore Valentina Tereshkova requested the floor.

- If we now adopt a new constitution in which the president can only sit for two terms, then it is logical that that provision will come into force at the same time as the constitution, and the terms of office are counted from zero, she suggested.

- Thanks, so Putin.

Known to mislead and surprise

Whether Putin had planned all this in detail is unclear. But that during his twenty years as the ruler of Russia, the former KGB officer has made himself known to intrigue, mislead, surprise and unexpectedly reach his goals is well known.

Unlike when it comes to elections and referendums, there are no laws governing the invention of "all-Russian voting". No requirements for voting, or how or when people can vote, and no independent election observers. And what voters have now voted on is something that is already clear. The two chambers of the Russian parliament - the Duma and the Federation Council - have voted in favor of the constitution. The Constitutional Court has approved it, President Putin has signed it. Everything is clear.

And no matter how many who have in reality voted and how they have voted, the vote of President Putin, the Kremlin and power-loyal media will be presented as proof that the desire of the Russian people is to keep Putin as long as possible.