The Putin referendum will affect not just Russia, but the world

VLADIMIR Putin made his first public appearance over the weekend after more than a month of lockdown asserting that an "absolute majority" of Russians back his controversial plan to change the constitution to extend his term in the Kremlin. While the ballot is primarily being seen through the lens of Russian domestic politics, it could have profound implications for international economics and politics too, especially given his growing closeness to China.

The Russian president is widely criticised abroad, especially in the West, yet he remains popular in much of Russia. Next month's vote could therefore clear the way for him to stay in power till 2036 - much longer than other major leaders currently on the world stage, with the potential exception of Chinese President Xi Jinping who is becoming his closest international ally.

Mr Xi was given a green light to remain in power for life in 2018 after the National People's Congress approved the removal of the two-term limit on the presidency which has been in place since the 1990s. He has therefore amassed political power in his country the likes of which has not been seen since Mao Zedong.