MOSCOW (RUSSIA) – Vladimir Putin is contemplating running for a new term as Russia’s president if voters approve constitutional changes, Russian news agencies quoted him as saying in an interview on Sunday.
Russia will hold a nationwide vote from June 25 to July 1 on proposed constitutional amendments, including one that allows Putin to seek two more six-year terms as president when his current mandate ends in 2024.
Critics say the reforms are aimed at allowing Putin to remain in power until 2036.
“I do not rule out the possibility of running for office, if this (option) comes up in the constitution. We’ll see,” Putin was quoted as saying in an interview with state TV that was shown in Russia’s far east before airing in western Russia. “I have not decided anything for myself yet.”
The changes are widely expected to be approved in the vote.
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