The Parliament of the Russian region of Chechnya has passed a proposal which could extend the presidential term limit from two consecutive terms to three, in a move that could allow Vladimir Putin to stay in power until 2030.
The proposal to change the constitutional limit, which was passed by the local lawmakers unanimously, will need an approval of the federal Parliament to become law.
“This bill was introduced after the head of the Chechen Republic, Hero of Russia [the highest honorary title of the Russian Federation] Ramzan Akhmatovich Kadyrov, took the initiative [proposing] to extend the term of office of the Head of State,” the explanatory note to the bill said.
“This amendment does not detract from the democratic foundations of the state and enables the people to determine their future,” it added.
Chechnya’s leader Kadyrov has previously said that he sees no suitable alternative to Putin as the president.
On Monday, Putin, who is now 65 years old, was inaugurated for a new six-year term, which puts him in office until 2024. The Russian leader is currently on track to become the country’s longest-serving head since Joseph Stalin.