In a surprising move, President Vladimir Putin has announced plans to significantly shift the balance of power within Russia’s political system. During his annual state of the nation address, Putin proposed sweeping constitutional reforms that would transfer some presidential powers to the parliament and the State Council.
The proposed changes include granting the parliament the authority to select the prime minister and senior cabinet members, roles currently held by the president. Putin also suggested enhancing the power of the prime minister and expanding the role of the State Council, which is presently an advisory body.
Following the announcement, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev resigned along with the entire government. Medvedev stated that the decision would allow the president to implement the necessary changes to the country’s political structure.
These reforms come as Putin, 67, approaches the end of his presidential term in 2024. By shifting power away from the presidency, analysts suggest that Putin may be positioning himself for a different role within Russia’s government after his term ends.
The proposed constitutional amendments will be put to a national referendum, allowing Russian citizens to vote on the significant restructuring of their government. The changes also include tightening residency requirements for presidential candidates and other top officials.
This development marks a pivotal moment in Russia’s political history, raising questions about the future distribution of power and the potential impact on both domestic and international affairs.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
