Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and the entire Russian government have
planned to resign after President Vladimir Putin proposed a constitutional
reform that would allow him to remain in power indefinitely.
President Vladimir Putin, in his annual speech to parliament on Wednesday,
proposed a referendum on amending the Russian constitution to increase the
powers of parliament while maintaining a strong presidential system.
He also suggested an amendment to the constitution to allow legislators to
appoint prime ministers and cabinet members.
“This will strengthen the role of Parliament and the parliamentary parties,
the powers and independence of the Prime Minister and all members of the
cabinet,” said Mr Putin.
“We can only build a strong and prosperous Russia on the basis of respect
for public opinion.
“Together, we will certainly change life for the better. Russia must remain
a strong presidential republic. “
After President Putin announced his plans, his entire government, including
the country’s Prime Minister, Dmitry Medvedev, resigned.
Hours after the government’s resignation, Putin appointed 53-year-old
federal tax chief Mikhail Mishustin and relatively unknown technocrat as the
new prime minister.
