Medvedev Increases Russian Presidential Term to 6 Years

On December 30, 2008 Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed into law a constitutional amendment extending presidential terms from four to six years.

This law has increased speculation that Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will return as President after the next election. As President, Putin said he would prefer a longer term, but felt it was unethical to change the constitution while in office. Medvedev, perceived by many as Putin’s puppet, proposed the constitutional change six months after taking office.

The bill was rushed through the State Duma, much quicker than most laws. Officials have indicated the extension will not apply to Medvedev’s current term in office, raising further questions about the bill’s quick move through the Duma.

Apparently an anonymous Kremlin advisor has been quoted as saying the reform is intended to return Putin to the presidency as early as 2009. It has been suggested that Medvedev would enact the amendment and several unpopular social reforms. He would then resign and call a pre-term election in 2009. If Putin returns to power for two more terms, he would govern until 2021, allowing him to fulfill the Putin Plan for the social and economic development of Russia.