MOSCOW : In a major shakeup President Vladimir Putin proposed crucial amendments to the constitution, triggering resignation by the entire government including the country’s prime minister on Wednesday.
Putin addressed the parliament today sought a referendum on the proposal which is set to increase powers of parliament and maintain a strong presidential system.
"I consider it necessary to conduct a vote by the country's citizens on an entire package of proposed amendments to the country's consititution, " Putin said without giving out the date for a referendum.
The reform will allow lawmakers to name the prime ministers and cabinet ministers instead of the present system that empowers president to do that.
"It will increase the role of parliament and parliamentary parties, powers and independence of the prime minister and all cabinet members," Putin said.
The criteria of becoming president will also stand changed. Anyone wishing to become president must have lived in Russia for the past 25 years.
Hours after the government resigned, Putin named federal tax chief Mikhail Mishustin(53), a relatively unknown technocrat, as new prime minister.
Putin’s current tenure ends in 2024, when the constitution requires him to step down. He will be 71 at the time.
"Russia must remain a strong presidential republic," he said.
If amendment becomes law, future governments will be appointed by the Russian parliament, which is the case now; also, the president will retain power to fire the govt if he is not satisfied with their performance.
