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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
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Russia Paves Way for Return of Putin

Parliament extends term of president; early elections could follow

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(Newser) – Russia's lower house of parliament approved a change to the constitution that extends the term of the president from four to six years, CNN reports. The move is widely seen as a bureaucratic maneuver that will lead to the return of Vladimir Putin as president. The upper house of parliament is expected to follow suit and make the measure law.

Putin stepped down as president and became prime minister because the constitution prevented him from serving three straight terms. Dmitry Medvedev's term is scheduled to end in 2012, but this new amendment could set the stage for early elections. Putin would then be allowed to run again, with the possibility of gaining 12 years in office.

Vladimir Putin, left, and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, right, arrive for the United Russia Party Congress in Moscow, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008.
Vladimir Putin, left, and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, right, arrive for the United Russia Party Congress in Moscow, Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008.   (AP Photo)
Vladimir Putin arrives to attend the NATO-Russia Council meeting during the NATO summit at the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest on April 4, 2008.
Vladimir Putin arrives to attend the NATO-Russia Council meeting during the NATO summit at the Palace of Parliament in Bucharest on April 4, 2008.   (Getty Images)
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin look on during their talks in Chishinau, Moldova on Friday, Nov. 14, 2008.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin look on during their talks in Chishinau, Moldova on Friday, Nov. 14, 2008.   (AP Photo)
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2 comments
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petepenguin
Nov 21, 08 3:03 PM CST
Wow,this was a real surprise,wsn't it....... Reply
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Shannonals
Nov 21, 08 10:26 PM CST
Here comes another Cold War...on a positive note the economy was always good during the first Cold War. Reply
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