Russia moves closer to longer presidential terms

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Source: AFP

MOSCOW (AFP) – A bill lengthening Russian presidential terms passed its latest hurdle in parliament on Wednesday, amid speculation over its implications for the future of powerful Prime Minister Vladimir Putin.

The constitutional amendments won overwhelming approval in a second reading debate in Russia's lower house of parliament, the State Duma, where 351 lawmakers voted for the change while only 57 voted against.

The extension of the presidential term from four years to six has been seen by some Kremlin critics as paving the way for Putin's return to the presidency after he left the post in May.

Putin is due to give an eagerly-anticipated address to his United Russia party -- which dominates parliament -- at its party congress on Thursday. But it would be a major surprise if he revealed his future political intentions.............

Read more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20081119/wl_afp/russiapoliticspresident_081119140600

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Ugh.

[aquart]

1. Oh, just appoint him Tsar.

Is he taking advice from Bloomberg?

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2. Good one. nt.