President Dmitri A. Medvedev on Tuesday signed into law an amendment to Russia’s Constitution that extends the president’s term to six years from four, a step that has fueled speculation that his predecessor, Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin, intends to return to the presidency. Mr. Putin is limited to two consecutive terms, but could run again in the next election. As president, Mr. Putin said that he would prefer a longer term but that he could not in good conscience change the Constitution. Mr. Medvedev proposed the change six months after taking office.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/31/world/europe/31briefs-6YEARTERMSAP_BRF.html?pagewanted=print

Copyright 2008 The New York Times Company