Posted on 11/21/2008 12:36:35 PM PST by jerry557
MOSCOW (AFP) – Russian lawmakers gave final approval Friday to a bill extending presidential terms, after a speech on the economy by Prime Minister Vladimir Putin revived speculation over his political ambitions.
The bill, which sailed through the State Duma, the lower house of parliament, would extend presidential terms from four to six years and would be the first change to Russia's post-Soviet constitution adopted in 1993.
The reform was proposed little more than two weeks ago by President Dmitry Medvedev, who said it would strengthen political stability, and has since been rushed through parliament amid a spiralling economic crisis.
Friday's vote was the third and final reading of the bill in the Duma, where 392 deputies voted in favour and only 57 voted against. The body is dominated by the pro-Kremlin United Russia party.
Only members of the opposition Communist Party, which has a minority in the parliament, voted against the changes on Friday. Communists have previously complained that the changes are part of an "authoritarian" trend in Russia.
"The immovability of the powers-that-be is building up the problems," Nikolai Kolomeitsev, a member of parliament from the Communist Party, told AFP, referring to Russia's mounting financial and economic difficulties.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
It’s showtime folks!
“”The immovability of the powers-that-be is building up the problems,” Nikolai Kolomeitsev, a member of parliament from the Communist Party, told AFP, referring to Russia’s mounting financial and economic difficulties.”
Similar words are spoken right before dictators rise to absolute power.
Surprising they didn’t just make the term “for life,” which is what Putin’s term will be once he becomes president again.
Political stability is the problem, not the solution.
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
Filthy commies, scheming like this to change term limits for their own convenience.
Who the heck do they think they are, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg?
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
Yep, and he’ll be in for 12 years.
Medvedev is simply a placeholder.
That's the funniest thing I have read in ages. How ironic.
Obama will be asking for a copy of that law for future reference.
Putin could still be President right now if he wanted. His people wanted to amend the constitution.
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