Notebook

Settling In

Presidential term to extend to six years

President Dmitry Medvedev announced in his first state of the union address that he would support changing the Russian Constitution to extend the presidential term from four to six years. The Kremlin-friendly Duma raced to approve the measure in a fast-tracked decision that bypassed the usual three readings for legislation. The bill was also quickly approved in the Federation Council, by a vote of 144-1. The measure must still be approved by two-thirds of the subjects of the Russian Federation (regional legislatures).