ARN News Centre

Putin opens door to extending rule until 2036

Wednesday, 11 March 2020 13:29

Russia's lower house of parliament has laid the groundwork for President Vladimir Putin to remain in power until 2036.

The 450-seat State Duma voted in favour of the changes by 383 votes. Forty-three lawmakers abstained from voting and 24 were absent.

Putin, who was required by the constitution to step down in 2024 when his fourth presidential term ends, proposed an amendment to the constitution to formally reset his presidential term tally to zero.

This would mean that he'll be in office until 2036, if backed by the constitutional court and a nationwide vote in April.

Putin critics believe he will now try to become president for life.

More from International

Cuban forces kill 4 exiles who attacked from Florida speedboat

Cuban forces have killed four exiles and wounded six others who sailed aboard a Florida-registered speedboat on Wednesday and opened fire on a patrol, the government said at a time of heightened tensions with the US.
Death toll from Brazil floods rises to 46, 21 people still missing

The death toll from the heavy rains in Brazil's southeastern state of Minas Gerais has risen to 46, according to figures released by the state fire department on Wednesday.
Near-blind refugee found dead in Buffalo after release by US Border Patrol

A nearly blind refugee from Myanmar missing since his release from a Buffalo jail into the custody of US Border Patrol has been found dead on a downtown street, city authorities said on Wednesday.
Record 129 journalists killed in 2025, mostly by Israel, says media watchdog

A record 129 journalists and media workers were killed in the course of their work last year, two-thirds of them killed by Israel, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Wednesday.
UK government sparks confusion over 'pause' on Chagos Islands deal

Britain on Wednesday rowed back from saying it had paused ratification of a deal to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago, which is home to a strategically important US-UK air base.