Putin Suggests Longer Term For Future Presidents

June 4, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has suggested that his successors serve longer terms in the Kremlin.

In an interview with Western reporters posted today on the presidential website, Putin said five, six, or seven years would be "more acceptable" than the current four-year presidential term.

Putin repeated his intention to step down after his second and last term ends in May 2008, as required by the Russian Constitution. But he added that he planned to work in some capacity after his term ends.