By Steven PiferEarly this year, Vladimir Putin had big plans for an excellent spring: first, constitutional amendments approved by the legislative branch and public allowing him the opportunity to remain in power until 2036, followed by a huge patriotic celebration of the 75th anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany. Well, stuff happens—specifically, COVID-19. Putin’s spring has turned out quite differently from what he had hoped.
Big Plans for the Spring
The president surprised Russians on January 15 in his annual speech to the Federal Assembly (the lower house of the Russian legislative branch). He proposed amending the constitution to reduce the …read more
Source:: Brookings