Looks like we won’t be seeing the end of Putin anytime soon, with a referendum voting to keep the Russian President in power until 2036.
Ordinarily, Russian leaders are limited to a maximum of two six year terms in power. However, the results of this referendum completely winds back the clock, resetting Putin’s time in office back to ground zero. If all the cards align in his favour, this could allow the President to rule until the ripe old age of 84.
A new referendum has allowed Putin to potentially rule until 2036. Turns out that the results were announced a measly 5 hours before voting actually closed.
At the time of announcing the referendum, the former KGB agent President explained that he didn’t believe it was the right time for a power change in the country, in order to secure Russia’s “evolutionary development.”
“We have had enough revolutions,” Putin told press. “I have no doubt that the day will come when the supreme, presidential power in Russia will not be so personified, if I may say so, that it will not be connected to a certain individual.”
This referendum is the most recent addition to a long line of executive changes made within the Russian Government. Back in January, Putin appointed a new prime minister, and announced an official campaign focusing on national ‘issues’, including; welfare, a guarantee on the indexation of pensions, and a ban on same sex marriage.
“We are going to vote for the country where we want to live,” Putin announced, “with cutting-edge education and healthcare, a reliable system of social protection and an effective government accountable to the people… which we would like to pass on to our children and grandchildren.”
Fun fact: Putin is now the longest serving Russian leader since Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin. He also releases annual calendars for the Russian people, stacked with saucy photos of him playing hockey.
