It didn't take long for Russian President Vladimir Putin's strongest supporters to suggest a way for him to stay in power.
Putin's second consecutive term — his fourth overall — started May 7. Russia's constitution says no leader can have more than two straight terms. In 2008, after his first two terms, Putin became prime minister. While he was prime minister, the presidential term was extended from four to six years.
On Saturday, regional lawmakers in Chechnya proposed a new law that would allow three consecutive presidential terms.
The Kremlin said the Chechen proposal isn't on Putin's agenda, and Putin has said he doesn't plan to change the constitution — for now.
Putin is already Russia's longest-serving leader since Joseph Stalin. His last two inaugurations were met with large protests. But his supporters say Russia needs "continuity of state power."
