• The implications

According to some political analysts, Medvedev’s proposal is merely a part of Putin’s greater plan to reclaim the presidential seat for a longer period — 12 years, perhaps sooner than later if Medvedev steps down early. While there was talk of making a similar amendment when Putin was still President, it didn’t reach fruition, likely because it wouldn’t have reflected well on Putin. With Medvedev doing the “dirty work”, that particular problem is solved. Meanwhile, critics have noted that an extended term means fewer elections and thus, diminished power to the electorate and an even greater consolidation of power in the Kremlin.

• The man behind russia

For a man who seemingly materialised out of nowhere — he was a KGB official after all — when Boris Yelstin announced him as his candidate for PM in 1999, Putin has grown to become the face of newly affluent Russia. His arrival was viewed with more than a little scepticism, even when he was elected President in 2000. Eight years and two terms on, nobody takes Putin lightly (and so they shouldn’t as less-than-respectful members of the Russian media have found out). While Putin has been criticised as being a good mimic of democratic capitalistic values, while turning the country into a neo-Soviet state with strict Government control over the media and key economic sectors, he enjoys widespread popularity, even though it is an open secret that his re-election in 2004 was rigged. But for better and for worse, he has almost single-handedly changed a nation.