Putin Signs Election Law Amendment Allowing Rule Until 2036

Likely to Become the Longest-Serving Leader Since the Russian Empire, Surpassing Stalin

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a bill amending the election law that guarantees his term until 2036.

According to TASS news agency on the 5th (local time), President Putin signed the election law amendment allowing his re-election. According to the amendment, the term limit rule that prohibits a president from serving more than three terms remains in place, but it only applies after the law is enacted. Accordingly, President Putin's previous terms are not counted toward the term limit, allowing him to serve two more presidential terms.

If President Putin actually remains in office until 2036, he will have led Russia for 36 years since his first presidential election in 2000. This would make him the longest-serving Russian leader since the Russian Empire, surpassing Joseph Stalin, who led the Soviet Union for 29 years.

Foreign media outlets do not expect President Putin to complete his full term despite the passage of this election law amendment. Instead, analysts suggest that extending the term limit is a strategic move to prevent the likely occurrence of a lame-duck period (power leakage) near the end of his term and to block potential power struggles within the government.

Additionally, the amendment includes provisions strengthening immunity for former presidents, including President Putin. Specifically, it significantly raises the requirement for approval from both houses of parliament for prosecutors to investigate former presidents on corruption charges.

The Guardian reported, "It appears that President Putin has passed the law guaranteeing an extension of his term because he has yet to find a suitable successor. Also, it seems intended to legally protect himself and his family from corruption charges after his retirement by ensuring immunity."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.