Shevtsova told Die Welt that 60% of Russians do not trust the government led by Putin, and said that the former president would have to be back in office before the economic crisis hits its peak.
Comparing the choreography between President Dmitry Medvedev and his predecessor with a couple performing a tango, she said Putin is the leader.
She said, however, that contradictions in the double act are growing as the crisis deepens, adding that high ratings for the partnership prove nothing.
During his November 5 state of the nation address, Medvedev proposed extending the current four-year parliamentary and presidential terms to five and six years, respectively.
The announcement of the changes, which would apply to the next head of state and legislature, triggered speculation that they could be used as a pretext for new elections that would return Putin to the presidency.
Russia's upper house of parliament approved the amendments extending the terms on November 26.
The constitutional amendments next have to be approved by at least two-thirds of regional legislatures. After that, the Federation Council will hold another session to endorse their decision. The amendments will come into force once they have been signed by the president and published in a government newspaper.
