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Putin Postpones Vote on Constitutional Changes Due to Coronavirus

RFE/RL's Russian Service

   Russian President Vladimir Putin has postponed an April 22 vote on
   sweeping constitutional changes that could allow him to remain in power
   for 16 more years, because of concerns over the coronavirus outbreak.

   Speaking in a live television broadcast on Wednesday, Putin said a new
   date for balloting will be determined based on the recommendations of
   health experts.

   Russians were scheduled to vote on the package of amendments to the
   constitution, the most substantive changes to the document since its
   adoption 27 years ago.

   Weeks after the plan to amend the constitution was announced in
   January, Putin signaled support for another change -- one that would
   allow him to seek reelection in 2024 and potentially remain president
   until 2036.

   Putin said that the government didn't want Russians except those
   working in essential sectors, to come to work next week, though stores,
   pharmacies, and banks will stay open.

   "The health, life, and safety of the people is an absolute priority for
   us," Putin said.

   Putin's comments came after the government reported 658 infections, up
   from 495 a day before, a rise Deputy Prime Minister Tatiana Golikova
   said was almost three times higher than the previous average of
   confirmed cases.

   "There are currently 658 cases in 55 regions of Russia. Twenty-nine
   people have recovered. A total of 112,000 people are being monitored in
   self-isolation," Golikova told a meeting of the country's federal
   coronavirus operative response group that is coordinating the fight
   against the coronavirus.

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