A new draft law in Russia giving immunity to former presidents and their families has rekindled speculation about Vladimir Putin’s future, months after he pushed through constitutional changes that could allow him to stay in office through 2036.
Some around the Kremlin say the bill has spurred quiet discussion of the possibility that Putin might not linger nearly that long. Backers of the draft, which is expected to become law within days, say it’s just part of the Russian leader’s effort to build a less personalized system to succeed him — whenever he decides it’s time to step down.
Putin, whose 21-year rule already makes him Russia’s longest-serving leader since Soviet dictator Josef Stalin, has shown no sign that he’s going anywhere. The president defended removing term limits for himself in a 4½ hour annual news conference on Thursday, looking vigorous and confident throughout. "The stable development of the nation is worth a lot,” he said, adding that he hadn’t decided yet whether to run again in the next presidential election in 2024.