Vladimir Putin has published proposed changes to Russia’s constitution that could allow him to extend his 20-year rule indefinitely after he is legally required to step down as president in 2024.
The changes would beef up the role of the State Council — a largely ceremonial advisory body made up of governors and parliamentary leaders — to give it the power to “co-ordinate?.?.?.?the organs of state power”, according to a 29-page draft of a new law published on Monday.
Analysts say Mr Putin aims to weaken the presidency and head up the reformed council once his fourth and final presidential term ends, following a similar move by Kazakhstan’s longtime leader Nursultan Nazarbayev last year.