Putin proposes vote on constitutional shake-up that could extend his rule
Source: Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-putin-idUSKBN1ZE15J
WORLD NEWS JANUARY 15, 2020 / 5:26 AM / UPDATED AN HOUR AGO
MOSCOW (Reuters) - President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday proposed a nationwide vote on sweeping constitutional changes that would shift power from the presidency to parliament and the prime minister, a move that could allow him to extend his rule after leaving the Kremlin.
Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses the State Council in Moscow, Russia, January 15, 2020. Alexander Zemlianichenko/Pool via
In power as either president or prime minister since 1999, Putin, 67, is due to step down in 2024 when his fourth presidential term ends.
He has not yet said what he plans to do when his term expires, but under the current constitution, which bans anyone from serving more than two successive presidential terms, Putin is barred from immediately running again.
Putin told the country's political elite in his annual state-of-the-nation speech on Wednesday that he favored changing the constitution to hand the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, the power to choose Russia's prime minister and other key positions.
Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-putin-idUSKBN1ZE15J
Related: https://www.democraticunderground.com/100212872190
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I'm sure the idea of "cossacks" makes Vlad all warm inside, too. 
