Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed a major shake-up of government. AP: Alexander Zemlianichenko
On january 15th, just hours after russian president putin put forward a reform proposal in his annual state of the union, russian government, including the prime minister, resigned.
But what does this mean for the future Russian leadership? What are the motivations behind Putin`s move? This article will explain to you what happened in Russia.
What did Putin announce?
On wednesday, local time, mr putin surprised russia`s political elite by announcing a radical overhaul of its constitution and a referendum on the proposed terms.
Although details remain unclear, Putin proposed a change to constitution to increase the authority of the prime minister and cabinet.
He also announced that his longtime close partner, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, would be vice chairman of the new Presidential Security Council.
Medvedev has been prime minister since 2012, after four years as Russian president. He is currently chairman of the ruling united russia party.
A few hours after the announcement, mr medvedev submitted his resignation.
Putin spoke to government and Russia`s government quit immediately (ABC News)
Under Russia`s main security law, Medvedev, who serves as Vice President of the Security Council, will be Putin`s deputy. The law stipulates that the Security Council shall always be headed by the President.
In announcing his resignation, Medvedev said:" In this case, it is clear that as government, we must provide the President with the ability to make all decisions ", which is necessary to implement the proposed plan.
What is Putin`s proposed constitution reform?
Mr putin has proposed several amendments to russia`s constitution, which analysts see as one of his plans to govern as long as possible.
Under mr putin`s plan, the parliament lower house will be given the authority to appoint the prime minister and other members of the cabinet, rather than approving candidates as they are now.
Medvedev said the proposals would bring "substantial change" to institution and to "the overall authority balance, exercise regime force, law enforcement authority and judicial authority ".
Mr. Putin unexpectedly chose Mikhail Mishustin, the head of the federal tax agency, as Russia`s new prime minister. Analysts say the option may be temporary.
Mischting, who has been head of the federal tax department since 2010, has held a tax-related government position since the early days of his career, but he has little political status.
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, right, submitted his resignation to President Vladimir Putin, left. (AP: Dmitry Astakhov)
A day after the announcement of the proposed reforms, the ruling united russian party unanimously approved mr mishting as a candidate for prime minister before the evening`s official parliament vote.
In his televised address, Mr Putin said:" This will increase the role of the parliament and parliament parties, the authority and independence of the prime minister and all cabinet members. "
He said the positions of head of the main body of the federation will also be strengthened, and that while Russia will maintain its presidential system, he said he wants to tighten standards for anyone who wants to be president.
Does Putin want to be in power forever?
Putin`s proposed constitution reform is said to be a plan to extend as long as possible, but how will that work?
Mr putin`s term of office has reached 20 years, meaning he has ruled longer than law allows.
The Russian constitution, adopted on Christmas Day in 1993, stipulates that the president-elect may not serve two terms for a four-year term.
That means when Putin became president in 2000, the eight-year deadline began.
Putin served as prime minister for four years after his term expired. But by 2024, he will face a second presidential limit, and he knows that if he doesn`t have a plan, he will risk breaking through the re-election limit to remain in office.
Analysts believe he will not change his constitution to re-election, but rather appear prepared to move his role to russia`s prime minister again.
Then he would be 71.
Critics have long accused Putin of planning to continue to exercise authority over the world`s largest nation in some capacity after his ouster.
But he remains popular with many Russians who see Putin as a source of social stability.
What was the 20 years of Putin`s rule like?
1999: After President Yeltsin resigned, Putin rose from chaos to become the designated successor.
Just eight years ago, Putin`s wave KGB went to St. Petersburg to run for office
2000: Putin is sworn in as president after winning his first presidential election on March 26
2005: Putin delivers State of the Union address on state television, calling the breakup of Soviet Union "the biggest geopolitical disaster of the century."
Just a few months later, in June, today`s Russian channel (now Russian television) is in operation
2008: mr putin appoints mr medvedev as his preferred successor to the presidency because the restrictions on the constitution make it impossible for mr putin to open a third term.
Medvedev won 70% of the vote. But despite the title shift, Putin remains in power
2012: Putin wins more than 60% of the vote to re-elect president, and Putin and Medvedev swap roles again
2018: Putin wins fourth term with 76% of the vote and higher voter turnout
2020: Putin proposes a constitution reform on January 15 that will give him room to expand the authority
Original: ABC Chinese
