Iran Press/ Europe: Russia will hold a nationwide vote from June 25 to July 1 on proposed changes to the constitution, including an amendment that would allow Putin to seek two more six-year terms as president when his current mandate ends in 2024, Reuters reported.
Opponents say the reforms are designed to allow Putin to keep power until 2036 and amount to a constitutional coup. The Kremlin says they are needed to strengthen the role of parliament and improve social policy and public administration.
“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.
"I have not decided anything for myself yet,” Putin added.
The changes that Russians will vote on, already approved by parliament and the Constitutional Court.
The changes are widely expected to be approved in the vote.
“If this doesn’t happen, then in about two years - and I know this from personal experience - the normal rhythm of work of many parts of the government will be replaced by a search for possible successors,” Interfax news agency cited him as saying.
“We must be working, not looking for successors,” he said.
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