Russian thug and Donald "Tovarich" Trump handler Vladimir Putin has held power in the Russian Federation for 20 years, sometimes as President and sometimes as Prime Minister. The official titles aren't important; Putin runs the country like an organized crime organization, from which he extracts bribes and payoffs that have made him one of the world's wealthiest men.
So it's no surprise that the cocky Putin, having successfully brought con man Trump under his wing, would want to extend his hold on power beyond his current term, which ends in 2024. He's using a devious "constitutional reform" maneuver to ostensibly put more power in the hands of their Federal Assembly (parliament) by giving them the power to appoint the Prime Minister, rather than the President. Putin also proposed an increase in power for the State Council, currently an advisory group on national security matters. The plan seems to be Putin returning either to a more powerful role as Prime Minister or as head of the State Council, acting as a power behind the throne.
Dictators don't go gently into that good night, and in Putin's case, he's making sure that night is far into the future.
BONUS: Chess great Garry Kasparov has some observations about this development.
Stop asking about the new dance Putin's Kremlin puppet show is performing. His intent to be dictator for life was clear over a decade ago and the only way he'll leave power is in a box, just like his idol Stalin.— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) January 15, 2020
Dictatorships require the illusion of total control and predictability. Putin wants to make sure there are no doubts as to who's in charge through 2024 and beyond. As I wrote years ago, he wants to be Supreme Leader, not a mere president.— Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) January 15, 2020
