Vladimir Putin says Lee Kuan Yew’s Singapore not suitable model for Russia
- ‘You want me to be Minister Mentor?’ president asks when questioned about leadership transition when his term expires in 2024
- Putin recently proposed constitutional changes that could allow him to extend grip on power even after stepping down
Russia must remain a strong presidential republic, President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday when asked about a possible transitional period once he steps down in 2024.
He also rejected Singapore as a model for leadership transition in Russia.
Last week Putin, who under the constitution cannot run for another presidential term, proposed constitutional changes that would give him scope to extend his grip on power after leaving the presidency.
The suggestions include reducing the powers of the presidency and strengthening those of the prime minister, prompting speculation that Putin might be eyeing a return to a job he held from 2008 to 2012.
“Our country, obviously, has to be a strong presidential republic. That’s the first thing. And then, we have so many ethnic groups, nationalities, ways of life, it is practically impossible to integrate in the framework of a parliamentary republic,” Putin said, in comments which seemed to contradict last week’s message.
