Putin Proposes Changes To Russian Constitution

Image by дминистрация Президента России

In his annual State of the Nation Address, Russian President Vladimir Putin today proposed changes to the Russian Constitution.

Here is an outline of what was suggested to be approved by a plebiscite among the Russian population:

Putin said that low incomes of most households with children directly threatens Russia’s demographic future and proposed a number of measures to support families, reported Russian state news agency TASS.

Putin said that Russia has been able for the first time in history to become the world’s leader in advanced weapons.

“We are not threatening anyone and are not seeking to impose our will. At the same time, I can assure everyone that our steps for strengthening national security were made timely and in a sufficient volume,” the Russian president said.

Putin has suggested putting package of constitutional amendments to popular vote. At the same time, the Russian president stated that he sees no grounds to adopt new constitution in Russia.

“It is time to make some changes to the fundamental law of the country, which would guarantee the priority of the Russian Constitution in our legal space. What does this mean? It means that requirements of international law and decisions of international bodies can only be enforced in Russia to such an extent that does not violate human and civil rights and freedoms and does not violate our Constitution,” Putin said.

“I know that our society is discussing the constitutional provision the same person should not take the post of Russia’s president for more than two terms in a row. I do not believe that this question is of fundamental importance, but I agree with this,” Putin said.

“Russia is obliged to protect the historical truth about the victory in the Great Patriotic War,”  Putin said.

“This year we will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. May 9 in Russia is the greatest and sacrosanct holiday. We are proud of the generation of victors, we remember their heroism. Our memory is not only a token of respect for the heroic past. It serves our future, inspires us and strengthens our unity. We are obliged to protect the truth about the Victory. Otherwise what shall we be able to tell our children if lies spread about the world like an epidemic?” he said.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed entrusting the State Duma (lower house) with power to nominate prime minister, deputy prime ministers and federal ministers, adding that the president will be obliged to appoint the nominated candidates, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his annual State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly (parliament) on Wednesday, added TASS.

“I propose changing <…> the order and task the State Duma with more than just agreeing but also nominating candidate to head the Russian government. Later, upon their recommendation, the recommendation of prime minister, [it will nominate] all deputy prime ministers and federal ministers,” Putin said, underlining that the president will be legally obliged to appoint the candidates proposed. “In other words, he will not be able to reject the parliament-approved candidates to hold these official positions,” he stressed.

“I believe that such proposals are justified, which will increase the role and importance of the national parliament, the role and importance of the State Duma and parliamentary parties, will boost independence and responsibility of the prime minister and all cabinet members, and make cooperation between representative and executive branches of power more efficient and substantial,” he concluded.

Some critics looked to the proposed shifts in the selection of those in power as a prelude to the end of Putin’s current term as president, the last one he can hold per the Russian Constitution.

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