Vladimir Putin has said he is open to altering Russia’s constitution, including enhancing the power of parliament and restricting the number of presidential terms, amid speculation that the veteran leader may seek to remain in power beyond his current term.
Mr Putin, who has governed Russia since 2000, must step down as president in 2024 under the present constitution, but some political analysts have suggested he may seek to extend his rule, potentially in the role of a prime minister with beefed-up powers.
The constitution “is a living tool, it must correspond to the level of development of society. Everything, in principle, can be changed in one way or another,” Mr Putin said at his annual end-of-year press conference. “But this can be done only after good preparation and deep discussion in society, and very carefully.”