The Russian president said that a lifetime leadership mechanism could not solve the problem of power transfer and ensure national stability.

"I understand that many people are concerned about national and social stability, as well as domestic and foreign issues. However, it will be alarming if we return to the common situation in the mid-1980s when the leaders in power until the time of death without facilitating the transfer of power. I think we should not apply the common mechanism at that stage, "Russian President Vladimir Putin said in a meeting of veterans in city of St. Petersburg yesterday.

The statement was given by the Kremlin boss after a veteran asked Putin to "resolve constitutional issues" to ensure that the Russian president's power would not be limited by his term. "That will help people decide whether the President's work should be lengthened or shortened," the veteran said.

Putin on January 15 read the Federal Message, proposing to amend the constitution to give the Russian lower house the right to choose the prime minister and senior cabinet positions. This power belongs to the President.

Russia currently imposes a limit on one president who cannot hold office for more than two consecutive terms. Putin wants to change this rule to a president that can serve only two terms. He also proposed tightening standards with the Russian presidential candidate.