Putin indicates he may run again in 2018
Source: Agencies |
April 12, 2012, Thursday
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VLADIMIR Putin, the man who will become Russia's president for a third term next month, indicated yesterday that he would back a law that bars others from doing what he did, ruling as president more than twice.
But Putin also suggested such a law would not apply to himself, leaving open the possibility that he could run for a fourth presidential term in 2018.
The Russian Constitution now bars a person from being president for more than two consecutive terms. Putin was Russia's president from 2000 to 2008 -- in two four-year terms - but had to step down to avoid the issue of consecutive terms. He did not step far away - becoming the country's prime minister and remaining Russia's most powerful leader, despite the title change.
But because of that "consecutive" clause, Putin was able to run for a third term in the March president vote. He won amid an unprecedented wave of street protests stemming from allegations of widespread vote rigging in December's parliamentary election and will be sworn in on May 7.
In addition, while Putin was prime minister, President Dmitry Medvedev pushed a law through Parliament changing the presidential term from four to six years, so Putin will now rule until 2018.
Yesterday, during a Q&A session in Parliament, Putin said it would be "reasonable" to remove the mention of consecutive terms. But he added that this would not affect him because such a legislation cannot be retroactive - implying that his third term would considered his first term under the new law.
"Once it's passed, I will have a chance to work for the next two terms. There's no problem here," he said in televised remarks.
In his annual speech to Parliament, Putin pledged to improve Russia's investment climate. He promised his government would submit legislation to make Russia more business-friendly by the end of the year and create the position of ombudsman to champion investors' rights.
"We won't be able to tackle any issue in the economy or social sphere unless we fix the situation with the business climate," Putin said.
Russia's gross domestic product grew 4.3 percent last year, but Russia also recorded a capital outflow of US$84 billion, which signals investors' decreasing confidence in the future of the economy.
In an apparent reference to opposition protests, Putin urged political parties to work together for the good of the country.
During his presidential campaign, Putin had promised higher wages and benefits for soldiers, doctors and teachers. Analysts estimated those measures could cost about US$160 billion over his six-year term.
Putin insisted that all of his promises were sustainable with oil prices at US$70 per barrel.
The current price of Brent crude oil is US$120 per barrel.
But Putin also suggested such a law would not apply to himself, leaving open the possibility that he could run for a fourth presidential term in 2018.
The Russian Constitution now bars a person from being president for more than two consecutive terms. Putin was Russia's president from 2000 to 2008 -- in two four-year terms - but had to step down to avoid the issue of consecutive terms. He did not step far away - becoming the country's prime minister and remaining Russia's most powerful leader, despite the title change.
But because of that "consecutive" clause, Putin was able to run for a third term in the March president vote. He won amid an unprecedented wave of street protests stemming from allegations of widespread vote rigging in December's parliamentary election and will be sworn in on May 7.
In addition, while Putin was prime minister, President Dmitry Medvedev pushed a law through Parliament changing the presidential term from four to six years, so Putin will now rule until 2018.
Yesterday, during a Q&A session in Parliament, Putin said it would be "reasonable" to remove the mention of consecutive terms. But he added that this would not affect him because such a legislation cannot be retroactive - implying that his third term would considered his first term under the new law.
"Once it's passed, I will have a chance to work for the next two terms. There's no problem here," he said in televised remarks.
In his annual speech to Parliament, Putin pledged to improve Russia's investment climate. He promised his government would submit legislation to make Russia more business-friendly by the end of the year and create the position of ombudsman to champion investors' rights.
"We won't be able to tackle any issue in the economy or social sphere unless we fix the situation with the business climate," Putin said.
Russia's gross domestic product grew 4.3 percent last year, but Russia also recorded a capital outflow of US$84 billion, which signals investors' decreasing confidence in the future of the economy.
In an apparent reference to opposition protests, Putin urged political parties to work together for the good of the country.
During his presidential campaign, Putin had promised higher wages and benefits for soldiers, doctors and teachers. Analysts estimated those measures could cost about US$160 billion over his six-year term.
Putin insisted that all of his promises were sustainable with oil prices at US$70 per barrel.
The current price of Brent crude oil is US$120 per barrel.
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