Detective Putin, president until 2036?

Mr. Putin made the call to the scene of a bloody World War II battle between the Red Army and the Nazis on the eve of the main and last day of a seven-day vote across the country that would change the constitution for the first time since 1993.

Under the proposed changes, which polls say are backed by two-thirds of voters, Putin would be allowed to run for another two six-year terms after the end of the current mandate expires in 2024.

This could make the former KGB officer, now 67, stand in this position until 2036, though Putin has said he has not yet made a final decision on what he wants to do.

Critics and staunch supporters are convinced he will run again, while some analysts believe he still does not make a decision but wants to keep his options open by the last minute, not to lose influence.

We are not just voting for changes. We are voting for the country in which we want to live, with a modern education and health system...”, Mr. Putin said.

During the talk, he did not mention how constitutional changes can affect his political career. Even during the official campaign, people have been encouraged to vote on other changes, not to mention the amendment that allows Mr. Putin to remain in power until 2036, if elected. / VoA