Putin approves changes allowing him to stay in power until 2036

On March 15, 2020, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a constitutional amendment bill into law, which allows him to remain in power until 2036. The amendment, which was approved by the Russian parliament in January, changes the constitution to reset the presidential term count, effectively allowing Putin to serve two more six-year terms after his current term expires in 2024.

The amendment was passed with a majority vote in the State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament, and was then ratified by the Federation Council, the upper house of parliament. The changes were approved by a majority of voters in a national referendum held on April 22, 2020.

Under the new constitution, Putin will be able to serve as president until 2036, when he will be 84 years old. The amendment also introduces a new position, the "Head of the Government," which will be responsible for implementing the president's policies. The Head of the Government will be appointed by the president and will serve a term of five years.

Putin has been in power in Russia since 2000, first as prime minister and then as president. He has been widely criticized for his authoritarian rule and human rights abuses, and the changes to the constitution have been seen as a way for him to maintain his grip on power.

The amendment has been widely condemned by human rights groups and opposition figures, who see it as a power grab by Putin. The changes have also been criticized by Western governments, who have expressed concerns about the erosion of democratic institutions in Russia.

In response to the criticism, Putin has defended the changes, saying that they are necessary to ensure stability and continuity in Russia. He has also claimed that the changes will allow him to focus on long-term issues, such as economic development and national security, rather than short-term political gains.

Overall, the changes to the Russian constitution have significant implications for the country's political landscape and the future of its leadership. They have been widely criticized, but they have also been seen as a way for Putin to maintain his power and influence in Russia.