Putin ally backs longer presidency

A top ally of outgoing Russian President Vladimir Putin said the country's president should serve a longer term, sparking fresh speculation Putin may be set for a return to his Kremlin post.

In an interview yesterday, First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov joined other Putin allies who have proposed making the president's term longer than the current four years.

Backers of the idea say it would enhance stability and make the vast country easier to govern.