Russian Reforms: Is Putin planning for his successor?

From Off Guardian

Curbs to Presidential power could be intended to preserve Russia from a West-backed President

Last week, after Putin put forward constitutional reforms that would "empower the legislative branch" and his entire government resigned, the Western press (and the West-backed "opposition" in Russia) went on at length about how Putin was preparing to "extend his power," to move to an office "without term limits." or something along those lines.

After years complaining about the amount of power the President of Russia has, the MSM decided that limiting those powers was ALSO bad (or perhaps, never even actually read the speech itself at all).

This isn't deliberate deception on their part, they are just trained animals after all. Criticizing Putin is a Pavlovian response to the man saying, or doing absolutely anything.

There's no point in gain-saying it, or analyzing it. It is dogs howling at the moon. Instinctive, base and to a rational mind entirely meaningless.

Forget what our press says. It is white noise. They have no insight and no interest in acquiring any.

However, even the alternative media are confused on this one. MoA is a good analyst, but he's not sure what's at play here.

"..So what IS going on in Russia? Why the constitutional reforms? Let's take a look at the headline proposals:

Limit the Presidency to a two-term maximum --Empower the Duma to appoint the Prime Minister and cabinet, in place of the President

Anyone running for President has to have lived in Russia for 25 years --

Dual-nationals are forbidden from holding public offices.

Are these really steps designed centralize the power of the state in an individual? Do they logically support the argument "Putin wants to be in power for life"?

Given that list, I would say "no." I would say, quite the opposite.

The first two points limit the powers of the Presidency, while empowering the legislative branch. Why would Putin limit the powers of the President if he intends a third term?

Western "analysts" argue Putin plans to stay on as Prime Minister, but these rule changes don't empower the PM, they only empower the Duma to choose the PM.

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