Russian leader signs law extending presidential terms

The measure, enthusiastically backed by Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin and his political protege, Medvedev, was hustled through both houses of parliament and the provincial legislatures in less than two months. The amendment has sparked widespread speculation that Medvedev might step down early to allow Putin to return to the Kremlin.

Constitutional term limits forced Putin to give up the presidency earlier this year despite the former KGB agent's apparent taste for running the country and his widespread popularity. Putin ushered in Medvedev and moved to the prime minister's office.

The new law will not take effect during Medvedev's current term. Other observers insist that the argument over whether Putin or Medvedev occupies the presidential office misses the point altogether. Among Russians, Putin is widely assumed to have continued calling the shots without interruption, whatever his job title. The point, they argue, is to keep the same small clique, spearheaded by Putin, at the helm of the country for an extended stretch of time.

"This obviously reflects the striving of the ruling elite to get additional instruments and guarantees of preserving their empire," said Andrei Ryabov, a scholar with the Carnegie Moscow Center. "They are looking to stay in power as long as possible, for their options to grow."

Criticism came fast and harsh from Russia's embattled opposition.

"We think the extension of the presidential term is a gateway to limitless extension of presidential power," said Sergei Mitrokhin, leader of the opposition Yabloko party. "This is the road to stagnation, to the further weakening of feedback between society and the authorities."

The changes come against a backdrop of growing uncertainty and looming instability in Russia. The financial crisis has brought its oil-and-gas boom to a dead halt, leaving many Russians struggling with layoffs and slashed salaries. A proposed tax hike on imported automobiles, meant to shore up a floundering domestic automotive industry, has sparked protests across the country, some of which were violently squelched by riot police.

As economic turmoil spreads, many analysts are warning that the Kremlin will tighten its grip. Besides today's measure, the government has launched a controversial push to expand the definition of treason. At the same time, Putin has backed legislation that would do away with jury trials for some offenses, including treason.

Human rights groups have criticized both measures, warning that the laws could criminalize anti-government critiques, further cripple foreign nongovernmental organizations and make it easier to imprison the Kremlin's foes.

megan.stack@latimes.com