A German newspaper reported on Saturday that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says he will end his political career when his second term ends next year.

Ahmadinejad can’t run in Iran’s June 2013 elections because of term limits. He was asked whether, like Russia’s Vladimir Putin, he envisions returning to the presidency at a later date, and replied, “No, eight years are enough.”

The Iranian president has found his fortunes sinking over the past year, due to a falling out with his former mentor, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In addition to allegations that billions of precious oil dollars were illegally diverted, Ahmadinejad has faced intense criticism over his handling of Iran’s economy and foreign policy during its nuclear showdown with the West.

“Iran is ready to pursue negotiations in Moscow, and even in Beijing, and has made good proposals,” Ahmadinejad said in the Chinese capital.