Russian President Vladimir Putin may remain in power much longer if it is up to the highest Russian judges. According to them, Putin’s plans do not violate the constitution.
The 67-year-old president wants to change the constitution so that in principle, he can lead the country until 2036. Under the current rules, he may no longer stand for re-election in 2024.
The so-called constitutional court states that Putin’s proposed changes are in line with Russian law.
The Russians can vote in a referendum on April 22. Three-quarters of the Russian parliament voted in favour of the amendment of the law. Putin’s opponents accuse him of “constituting a coup d’état”.
Putin has been president since 2000, with a break from 2008 to 2012 when he was prime minister.