A sweeping reform of the Russian Constitution, sought by Putin, has been approved through a referendum. He will be able to remain president until 2036.
The citizens of Russia have approved a sweeping reform of the Constitution sought by President Vladimir Putin. Under it, the leader – at the helm of his nation since 2000 – will be able to remain in the Kremlin until 2036. A change that, according to claims made by the opposition, represents a manoeuvre aimed solely at perpetuating the exercise of power by the former KGB officer, the Soviet secret service.
In reality, however, the approval of the new constitution entails numerous changes for Russian society. The text – approved by Parliament at the beginning of the year (and already on sale in bookshops well before the confirmatory referendum took place) – represents a strongly conservative turning point. The revision, which was accepted by the population with 77.9 per cent of votes in favour, provides for the introduction into the fundamental Charter of a series of principles dear to the president.
The first of these is the imposition, in black and white, of references to faith in God. But the new text also makes it impossible to celebrate marriages between people of the same sex: marriage is in fact reserved exclusively for heterosexual couples. Furthermore, a requirement for "patriotic education" is introduced, which according to detractors of the Russian president represents the gateway to the introduction of political propaganda into educational systems.
All of this, according to Putin, will guarantee Russia "stability, security and prosperity." According to one of the best-known opposition leaders, blogger and activist Alexei Navalny, it is instead "an enormous lie" aimed solely at securing the politician "a presidency for life."
According to reports in the international press, moreover, in order to ensure broad participation in the vote, the Kremlin multiplied its "stratagems." Polling stations remained open for a week, officially to limit gatherings and the spread of coronavirus. But what appeared strangest was the setting up of voting locations virtually everywhere, including in the street or on football pitches. With little regard for secrecy and without adequate means to monitor the proper conduct of proceedings.
