Putin wants to remain president

Russian President Vladimir Putin wants to stay at his post.

Putin received the question earlier in the day during an event whether he would like to stand as a candidate again. He then asked the young audience if he could count on their support. Spectators screamed 'yes' and applauded. The president promised to weigh up their reaction when he made the decision about whether he wanted to become president again. Not much later he confirmed his- not unexpected- desire to remain president.

Putin has been in power since 2000. He was both prime minister and president. Observers assume that he will win the election of March next year. In principle, he would be able to stay on as president until 2024.