The Russians continue to vote in a general referendum on a package of constitutional amendments that would determine President Vladimir Putin's future in power, and include broader powers for parliament, and political, religious, and social reforms.

The following are the most prominent points of the constitutional reforms:

Additional states and privileges
One of the most prominent constitutional amendments is an amendment proposed last March that allows Putin to run for another presidential term after his term ends in 2024.

This reform - approved by parliament - allows the current president to remain in the Kremlin for two additional terms until 2036 when he reaches the age of 84. According to the current constitution, Putin must withdraw from the presidency in 2024.

The Russian opposition criticized the measure, calling it an electoral farce aimed at opening the way for Putin to assume the presidency for life.

Other amendments include strengthening the role of the president; He will have the right to dissolve Parliament if the latter refuses to appoint a minister or deputy minister 3 times in a row, while this possibility is currently limited to the nomination of the Prime Minister.

The decision to choose the prime minister is up to the representatives, not the president, but the president can dismiss any member of the cabinet.

Also, the president of the country will be able to appoint several judges, the attorney general and his deputies, all of whom were appointed under the current constitution by the upper house of parliament.

This reform would also enhance the role of a body still consultative, which is the State Council, which many experts believe can preserve Putin's influence if he becomes its president even if he leaves the Kremlin.

Social
guarantees The reform guarantees a minimum wage, which cannot be less than the minimum set by the authorities every 3 months.

It also introduces the principle of "justice and solidarity between generations", and the amendment of pensions "at least once a year," according to the rate of inflation.

These amendments come in the context of the social and economic difficulties in the country, which were exacerbated by the Covid-19 epidemic crisis.

The reform also provides environmental principles, such as "reducing the impact of economic activities" on nature, "preserving natural diversity", and "responsible attitude towards animals".

Conservatism and patriotism
Vladimir Putin has included in the constitutional reform the conservative and patriotic societal values, and these amendments enshrine the principle of "believing in God" despite the secularism of the state, and stipulates that marriage is an institution that only combines a man and a woman, which means rejecting homosexuality.

Likewise, children are listed as "the most important priority of public policies", and the state must instill in them "patriotism, civic education and respect for their ancestors"; These points reflect the Kremlin's policy of facing a demographic decline.

The Russian language has been identified as "the language of the people who make up the state," and senior officials are prohibited from obtaining dual citizenship, or a residence permit from another country.

The amendments also prohibit the handing over of parts of Russian territory, in an implicit reference to the Crimea, which was annexed in 2014 at the expense of Ukraine and the Kuril Islands annexed by the Soviet Union in 1945, and which Japan is still claiming.

Under these amendments, the Russian constitution is above international law, and Moscow is allowed not to apply it if it conflicts with the constitution.

It also states that "Russia honors the memory of the defenders of the homeland," and "guarantees the protection of historical truth."