Is Vladimir Putin a ‘president for life’?

The Russian president has signed laws that could keep him in office until 2036.

For more than 20 years, President Vladimir Putin has been the most powerful man in Russia – and this week, he made sure he could retain that position for another 15 years.

With the signing of a new law, Putin can now run for another two six-year terms once his current stint ends in 2024.

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It would make him Russia’s longest-ruling leader, surpassing Joseph Stalin.

His critics call it a constitutional coup, designed to make Putin “president for life”. His supporters say it means stability for the government.

But what is behind Putin’s hunger for control?

Presenter: Hashem Ahelbarra

Guests:

Dmitry Babich – Political analyst at InoSMI Internet project

Marco Di Liddo – Head of Russia & Balkans Desk at The Center for International Studies

Alexander Soloviev – Member of the Russian opposition and former chairman of the Open Russia