In 2020, Russian President Vladimir Putin achieved one of his biggest political victories by pushing through a constitutional reform that allowed him to extend his rule until 2036. The reform, which was approved by a controversial referendum in July 2020, also introduced several changes to the Russian political system, such as granting more power to the State Council, strengthening the role of the Orthodox Church, and banning same-sex marriage.
The Motivation Behind the Reform
Putin, who has been in power since 2000, either as president or prime minister, was facing the end of his fourth and final presidential term in 2024. According to the previous constitution, he could not run for president again, and there was no clear successor or alternative for him. Putin also faced growing discontent from the public, especially after his unpopular pension reform in 2018, which raised the retirement age for both men and women. Moreover, Putin had to deal with external challenges, such as the sanctions imposed by the West over the annexation of Crimea in 2014, the conflict in Syria, and the rise of China.
To secure his power and legacy, Putin decided to initiate a constitutional reform that would allow him to reset his term limit and run for two more six-year terms, potentially staying in office until 2036, when he would be 83 years old. The reform also aimed to strengthen his control over the political system, by giving him more influence over the judiciary, the parliament, and the regional governors.
The Process and Outcome of the Reform
The constitutional reform was announced by Putin in January 2020, during his annual address to the Federal Assembly. He proposed several amendments to the constitution, such as granting the State Council, an advisory body composed of regional leaders, more power and status, giving the president the right to appoint and dismiss judges of the Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court, requiring the candidates for president and parliament to have no foreign citizenship or residence, and enshrining the Russian language, the Orthodox faith, and the historical truth in the constitution.
The reform was quickly approved by the parliament, the regional legislatures, and the Constitutional Court, with little debate or opposition. The final step was a nationwide referendum, which was originally scheduled for April 22, 2020, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The referendum was held from June 25 to July 1, 2020, with online and postal voting options available in some regions. The voters were asked to approve or reject the entire package of amendments, not each one separately.
According to the official results, the reform was approved by 77.9% of the voters, with a turnout of 67.9%. However, the referendum was widely criticized by the opposition, independent observers, and human rights groups, who claimed that it was rigged, unfair, and illegitimate. They pointed out several irregularities and violations, such as the lack of independent monitoring, the pressure on public employees and students to vote, the use of incentives and prizes to attract voters, the manipulation of the voter lists, and the falsification of the ballots.
The Implications and Reactions of the Reform
The constitutional reform has significant implications for the future of Russia and its relations with the world. By extending his rule, Putin has effectively eliminated any uncertainty or competition for the 2024 presidential election, and has secured his dominance over the political system. He has also consolidated his power over the institutions and the society, by limiting the checks and balances, the civil rights, and the diversity of opinions. The reform also reflects Putin’s vision of Russia as a conservative, sovereign, and strong state, that resists the influence and values of the West.
The reform has received mixed reactions from the international community. Some countries, such as China, Iran, and Venezuela, have congratulated Putin and expressed their support for the reform. Others, such as the United States, the European Union, and Canada, have expressed their concern and criticism over the reform, and have called for respect for democracy and human rights in Russia. The reform has also sparked protests and resistance from the Russian opposition, civil society, and some celebrities, who have denounced the reform as a coup and a violation of the constitution. They have called for boycotts, rallies, and campaigns to challenge the reform and to demand political change.