Is Putin planning to step down? Russia leader hints at quitting despite new law making him ‘president for life’
Vladimir Putin has reportedly hinted that he could step down despite pushing through new legislation recently that would make him "president for life." The Russian strongman could become a senator for life under a surprise new legislation. “This is Russia copying the outdated British system of life peers in the House of Lords,” one Moscow source told The Sun. 68-year-old Putin has reportedly given a rare signal that he wants to quit the Kremlin rather than serving as president until his death. Meanwhile, unanticipated new legislation is now being rushed through the Russian parliament - ensuring that Putin remains a senator for life when he leaves the nation's highest office.
According to the report, the law was introduced by Putin himself and would guarantee him legal immunity and state perks for the rest of his life. State-run RT media predicted that the move will be perceived “as a sign that the groundwork is being laid for an eventual transition of power in Russia”.
Putin -- and his successors -- would be allowed three months following their presidency to become a member of the Federation Council -- equivalent to the Senate -- for life. That said, the law comes just months after Putin reportedly amended the constitution to be able to contest for a new six-year term in 2024, and again in 2030.
According to The Sun, this change was widely interpreted as Putin plotting to remain in power until he is aged 83. The apparent revelation even triggered a flurry of memes about how the macho leader would look if he remained at the Kremlin for so long. It's worth noting that most Russian government officials are forced to resign by the age of 70. "So, the surprise move perhaps indicates he intends to nominate a chosen successor sooner rather than later," per the British newspaper. "Or, it could be an insurance policy in case Putin is forced out by ill health."
That said, the new legislation will reportedly also permit seven other senators for life for their “outstanding service to the country," a move described by The Sun as "perhaps enabling rewards to his closest cronies." Putin, who took over the presidency from Boris Yeltsin in 1999, is already the longest-serving Kremlin leader since Stalin, per the outlet. In July, he signed legislation that essentially changed Russia's constitution to allow him to stay in power until 2036.
According to The Sun, a week-long poll of voters was conducted for approving the changes. Putin reportedly won 78 percent of the vote, albeit amid allegations of vote-rigging. Nonetheless, the amendments have secured at least two more six-year terms for Putin after his current one expires in 2024. The Russian strongman has been president ever since he took office in 1999 -- apart from four years as prime minister when ally Dmitry Medvedev took the top office from 2008 to 2012.
Putin -- who would still be a decade younger than 78-year-old Democrat Joe Biden if he wins the US presidential election tomorrow -- is often unofficially deemed the richest man in the world. However, that claim is strongly denied by the Kremlin.