Photo credit: kremlin.ru
Russian president Vladimir Putin does not consider it necessary to adopt a new Constitution; nevertheless, he proposed a number of amendments to the country's main law. He stated this today, January 15, during the announcement of the Address to the Federal Assembly, the Kremlin website reports.
The Russian leader is going to entrust the State Duma with the approval of the candidacy of the Prime Minister and all the deputy heads of government and federal ministers. The head of state will appoint them to the post, that is, he does not have the right to reject the candidatures of the relevant officials.
Putin stated the need to enhance the role of governors in making decisions of federal significance. The role and status of the State Council must be consolidated in the Constitution.
The Russian leader also proposed expanding the powers of the Constitutional Court. To improve the quality of legislation, Vladimir Putin intends to entrust it with the opportunity to verify the legality of bills before they are adopted at the president’s request.
At the same time, Vladimir Putin is sure that Russia should remain a strong presidential republic. He expressed confidence that Russia, which has a vast territory, a complex national and territorial structure, a variety of cultural and historical traditions, cannot stably develop in the form of a parliamentary republic. The president should remain in direct control of the armed forces and the entire law enforcement system. The appointment of the heads of all law enforcement agencies will take place after consultation with the Federation Council, as well as the appointment of prosecutors.
At the same time, the president proposed fixing the norm in the Constitution according to which the head of state should be a citizen of the Russian Federation, who is at least 25 years and has never had another citizenship. In the message, Vladimir Putin also spoke about the possibility of holding the office of President of the Russian Federation for more than two consecutive terms. “I know that a constitutional provision is being discussed in our society, that one and the same person should not hold the post of president of the Russian Federation for more than two consecutive terms. I do not consider this a matter of principle, but I agree with it,” he said.
The president considers it necessary to submit the proposed changes to a referendum.
Russkiy Mir
