Russian government resigns as major changes announced in constitution

The government of Russia resigned Wednesday after President Vladimir Putin announced major changes to the structure of Russia’s government.

As per the news agency, the resignation of Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and his cabinet is part of a much wider shakeup as Putin is facing constitutional term limits that, unless amended, will force him to leave office in 2024.

Putin in his state of the nation address suggested a referendum that would transfer more power to the prime minister and cabinet and away from any presidential successor.

After Putin’s speech, the Russian Prime Minister said, “under these conditions, I believe it would be right for the government of the Russian Federation to resign,” WSJ reported.

He (Medvedev) also served as president from 2008-2012 when Putin was serving as prime minister, and the two swapped jobs upon Putin’s return to the Kremlin.

Russian president said Medvedev would be offered the newly created post of deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council.

Medvedev is unpopular and has occasionally been used by Putin as a scapegoat for the government’s failings.

Putin’s choices for prime minister and other top jobs will be closely watched for hints that a successor is being groomed.

The president has proposed amendment in Russian constitution to limit the future president to two terms in office, although he has served four.

According to Guardian, the proposed amendment in the constitution would  tightened  residency requirements for presidential candidates, and allowing parliament choose candidates for prime minister and the cabinet, in effect weakening the presidency,”

Reports said Putin could return as prime minister in 2024 or take charge of the state council, which will also become more powerful. Reports also suggested another theory that Putin will place himself at the head of a potential new commonwealth between Russia and Belarus.