We all knew that it would happen just not so soon. But former Russian president and current prime minister Putin could be back in the job as the head of ‘Mother Russia’ in a year’s time.

In his first and very probably his last state-of-the-nation address, President Dmitry Medvedev announced a constitutional change to the Russian post-Soviet 1993 Constitution. The change or “clarification”, to use Medvedev’s words, would allow for a president to serve a term of 6 years rather than the current 4. That means a president could be in office for a consecutive 12 years rather than 8. The change would include the current president, Medvedev, from partaking in the current extension within his present term.

Before Putin left office, there were calls that he should stay in power by changing the constitution to allow for a third (and maybe more) consecutive term. Putin stated no on the ground that the Russian constitution is scared and should not be changed. Well, it appears he has found his way.

The Kremlin has since submitted the change to the Russian parliament and on Friday November 14th, the lower house (Duma) passed the bill after its first reading.

It will no doubt by soon approved by the similarly Kremlin-controlled upper house and by at least 2/3 (amount needed) of Russian regional legislatures, whom are also controlled by the Kremlin.

When the changes are enacted, Putin could then came back to power by way of a new election that Medvedev would call for and allowing Putin to field himself as a candidate.

Why now? Russia is facing tough economic times and the near-future does not look bright either. Putin feels that only he could maintain the regime in the face of the possibly public onslaught that might occur if the economy turns really sour. Putin has shown that only he can project an image of “leadership” in Russia, as he did during the summer war with Georgia. Medvedev finally proved then and now that he is merely a sidekick.

It won’t be long until the absolute face of ‘Mother Russia’ is again the old K.G.B. henchman Vladimir Putin.