Putin appeals to Russians’ core values as vote on extending term looms

President Vladimir Putin appealed to what he termed Russians’ core values on Friday, the country’s national day, as he sought to rally support for a vote on constitutional reforms that could potentially keep him in office until 2036.

“We have a common historical code, moral foundations… Respect for parents and family (and) love for our soil,” Putin said at a flag-raising ceremony in Moscow to mark Russia Day.

“As you’d expect, there have been frequent requests to include these fundamental, core principals into the Russian constitution. I’m sure that the absolute majority of our citizens share and support such a position.”