Russia says it's open to renewing cooperation with OPEC oil cartel as kingpin Saudi Arabia escalates price war with Moscow
President Vladimir Putin says there could be a presidential"reset" allowing him to run after his current term expires as Kremlin-controlled lower house, Duma, endorses proposed constitutional amendments by a 382-0 vote with 44 abstentions.
In a surprise address to the lower house State Duma, Putin said there could be a presidential "reset" allowing him to run after his current term expires. Among them was an amendment annulling previous presidential terms — effectively allowing Putin to run again after his current six-year term ends in 2024.
"There will be a time when the highest power ... will not be tied to one specific person. But all of our previous histories happened in this way, and of course, we cannot ignore this," Putin said.Lawmakers also proposed holding early parliamentary elections but Putin said that was not necessary and the amendment was withdrawn.
Putin shocked Russia's political establishment by announcing the package of reforms in January, the first major changes to the country's basic law since 1993. Russia's opposition, including Putin's most prominent critic Alexei Navalny, has criticised the proposals as an effort to make him "president for life.""Putin has been in power for 20 years but he's going to run for the first time."According to a study by the Levada Centre, an independent pollster, 64 percent of Russians did not have a clear idea of what the constitutional proposals meant.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why Russia and Vladimir Putin are waging an oil war with AmericaRussia shocked the world last week by blowing up its shaky alliance with OPEC. Moscow's refusal to join with the cartel is aimed in part at drowning US shale oil companies that rely on higher prices in a sea of cheap crude.
Read more »
Russia Proposes ‘Putin Forever’, Will Probably Get ItRussian government voted in overwhelming favor to abolish term limits, setting up yet another term for Vladimir Putin
Read more »
Putin backs amendment that could see him run Russia until 2036Russian President Vladimir Putin could stay in power until 2036 after lawmakers voted in favor of a last-ditch proposal to reset the clock on the leader's presidential term count in an updated version of the constitution.
Read more »
Putin Graciously Backs Plan Allowing Him Another 12 Years in PowerVladimir Putin backed an effort to reset his term limit, allowing him to run for another six-year term in 2024 and again in 2030
Read more »
Putin backs amendment allowing him to remain in powerRussian President Vladimir Putin has been in power for more than 20 years, becoming Russia's longest-serving leader since Soviet dictator Josef Stalin.
Read more »