Putin hints at continuing presidential candidacy

(Baonghean.vn) - Answering the press on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Hangzhou, China on September 5, Russian President Vladimir Putin hinted that he could continue to run for President in 2018, extending his term of running the country to 25 years.

Mr. Putin said it was too early to talk about the decision to run for President in 2018. Photo: Internet.

Asked about the possibility of running for president in 2018, Mr Putin said it was too early to talk about his choice. But Mr Putin said the future leader of Russia should be “relatively young but mature”, and did not rule out running.

“Russia is preparing to hold parliamentary elections at all levels. But after the elections, I will still hold the position of President for another 2 years. Now it is probably too early to talk about this. I myself have not made a decision yet,” Mr. Putin said.

If Mr Putin succeeds in seeking another term as president, he could surpass the longest reign of 30 years held by Joseph Stalin.

Russia's presidential term has been extended from four years to six years under Dmitry Medvedev, Putin's longtime friend.

The Russian Constitution does not allow a person to hold the position of President for more than two terms, but Mr. Putin took a "detour" by holding the position of Prime Minister from 2008-2012.

Mr Putin was first elected president in 1999 and turns 64 next month.

Mr. Putin was an employee of the Russian Federal Security Service (KGB) before entering politics in 1996.

He rose rapidly and has served as President and Prime Minister for the past 17 years.

Diep Khanh

(According to Express)