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Russia's Putin Hints at New Path to Staying in Power

Charles Maynes

   Russian leader Vladimir Putin threw his weight behind proposals to
   amend Russia's current constitutional cap on presidential term limits
   -- a move that opens the door to Putin, 67, staying in power far beyond
   the end of his current and, in theory, final term in 2024.

   Under the proposed changes, which Putin insisted would need backing by
   an upcoming nationwide referendum, as well as the approval of Russia's
   Constitutional Court, the Russian leader would be eligible to run for
   two more terms in office, possibly extending his 20-year Kremlin rule
   through 2036.

   "The proposal to remove restrictions for any person, including the
   incumbent president ... would be possible, but on one condition: if the
   Constitutional Court gives an official ruling that such an amendment
   would not contradict the principles and norms of the constitution,"
   Putin said in addressing the proposal before lawmakers in the Duma on
   Tuesday.

   Putin framed the move as injecting stability into Russia's uncertain
   political future -- in effect, suggesting that by staying in power, he
   could lead Russia toward a day when change in power through elections
   would be possible.

   "I am certain that a time would come when the supreme presidential
   power in Russia would not be so personified, will not be tied to a
   certain single person," Putin said.

   "We are done with revolutions in Russia," he added.

   A legendary cosmonaut, a new mission?

   The proposed constitutional reforms were the latest in a series of
   moves that appear to provide Putin with options as he confronts the end
   of his fourth and final term in office.

   Indeed, the announcement came as lawmakers in the Duma debated
   additional constitutional reforms first proposed by Putin amid a
   surprise government shakeup last January.
   

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