In a surprising turn of events on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced ambitious plans to significantly alter the nation's political landscape through a series of constitutional reforms. This revelation came alongside the resignation of Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and the entire government, signaling a potential power shift within Russia.
During his annual state of the nation address, Putin, who is set to step down as president in 2024, outlined comprehensive proposals aimed at redistributing power away from the presidency. Central to these reforms is the strengthening of the parliament, which would now possess the authority to select the prime minister and senior cabinet members. Additionally, the role and influence of the prime minister would be notably increased.
The State Council, currently serving as an advisory body, is slated to receive expanded powers under the new constitutional framework. Furthermore, the proposed changes include stricter residency requirements for presidential candidates and other top officials, aiming to tighten the criteria for holding high-level positions within the government.
These sweeping reforms will be put to a public referendum, allowing Russian citizens to vote on the proposed changes. The developments have raised questions about the underlying motivations and the potential long-term impact on Russia's governance and political stability. Analysts suggest that Putin's move may be an attempt to ensure a controlled transition of power and to solidify his influence over Russia's future political direction.
As the nation awaits the referendum, the international community watches closely, recognizing that these changes could have far-reaching implications not only for Russia but also for global politics and economic dynamics.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
