The Russian State Duma passed a revised constitution draft, which paved the way for Putin to run for re-election and could hold office until 2036.

In today's discussion, which is also the last discussion, the Russian State Duma unanimously approved the revised constitution proposed by President Putin with a ratio of 383 votes, 0 votes and 43 abstentions.

Putin in January proposed a series of amendments to the Russian constitution during his State of the Union address, in order to reallocate power from parliament to the president. At that time, Putin repeatedly insisted the amendment was not intended to extend his power.

At a meeting of the House of Representatives yesterday, National Duma Vice President Valentina Tereshkova unexpectedly proposed to lift the restrictions on the current president, reset the previous presidential term to zero. Putin could run for another two terms after the end of his presidency in 2024.

"Like any citizen, the President has the right to run after the amendment of the constitution," she said. Tereshkova explained that giving the opportunity to the re-elected president will "be a factor in stabilizing Russian society".

The draft also extends the authority of the Russian parliament and constitutional court, prohibiting officials of foreign nationality, and at the same time, setting minimum wages above basic living costs.

The draft, after it is approved by the national Duma, will continue to be submitted to the Federal Council (the Russian Senate), where no problems are expected. After being approved by the constitutional court, a national referendum will be held in April.

The current Russian constitution prohibits presidents from serving more than two consecutive terms. Putin served as president of Russia from 2000 to 2008, then became prime minister in 2008 to 2012 and was re-elected president in 2012. The draft revised constitution allows to "delete" the two recent terms of the 67-year-old President, helping him to maintain power until 2036.

Speaking at the National Duma on March 10, Putin said that these constitutional amendments "should have been done long ago" and said that they "will facilitate stable, positive development." of Russia in the long term. " He also asserted that Russia is not ready for a new leader.