Russia’s high court on Monday approved the package of constitutional amendments that would pave way for President Vladimir Putin to potentially stay in power until 2036.
In a dense 52-page ruling, the Constitutional Court overturned the current provisions that only let Presidents serve two consecutive terms, under which Putin would have had to vacate his office in four years. Now, Putin has effectively secured himself at least another twelve years of power, allowing him to rule the country for longer than former Soviet leader Joseph Stalin.
Putin’s allies have strongly supported the move, with the head of the Federation Council even saying that the President had “raised Russia from its knees”. Others believe that he is the stable leader needed to raise the country out of turbulent times. However, dissenters have gathered across cities in a series of one-person picket protests, which are the only kind of demonstrations legally permitted in Russia that do not require prior permission.
The opposition has also called for a mass rally in Moscow against the move, but large gatherings are currently banned due to the coronavirus outbreak. The pandemic could also become an obstacle in carrying out the next step of the Kremlin’s plan to formalize these changes.
The final hurdle to be crossed is a nationwide popular vote on the amendments, which is scheduled for 22 April. But this seems like more of a formality owing to the Kremlin’s tight control of local media and electoral bodies.
Image Source: Business Insider
Russia's Constitutional Court Approves Move to Let Putin Stay in Power
March 17, 2020
