Putin Delays Referendum on Plan to Stay in Power Over Virus
Source: Bloomberg
President Vladimir Putin postponed a planned public vote on constitutional changes next month that would allow him to rule to 2036 as the country attempts to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
“We must understand that Russia simply due to its geographical position, cannot isolate itself from the threat,” Putin said in a televised address Wednesday. “The absolute priority for us is the health, well-being and safety of the people. Therefore, I believe that the vote should be postponed to a later date.”
President Vladimir Putin postponed a planned public vote on constitutional changes next month that would allow him to rule to 2036 as the country attempts to stem the spread of the coronavirus.
“We must understand that Russia simply due to its geographical position, cannot isolate itself from the threat,” Putin said in a televised address Wednesday. “The absolute priority for us is the health, well-being and safety of the people. Therefore, I believe that the vote should be postponed to a later date.”
Read more: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-25/putin-delays-referendum-on-plan-to-stay-in-power-over-virus-fear?srnd=politics-vp
The delay to the vote slows the momentum behind a vital initiative for Putin two more six-year presidential terms once his current mandate ends in 2024.
The Russian leader had repeatedly ruled out changes that would allow him to remain president.
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