Russian government resigns to allow Putin to change the country’s constitution
The entire Russian government resigned following President Vladimir Putin's proposal to change the country's constitution. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev announced his resignation on Wednesday, shortly after Putin's annual State of the Nation Address.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, center, and Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, center left, attend a cabinet meeting in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020. (Dmitry Astakhov, Sputnik, Government Pool Photo via AP)
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 12:32 PM PT — Wednesday, January 15, 2020
The entire Russian government resigned following President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to change the country’s constitution. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev announced his resignation on Wednesday, shortly after Putin’s annual State of the Nation Address.
Reports said his departure will pave the way for Putin to implement amendments to shift power from the president to parliament.
Russia
: This handshake is how Vladimir Putin and Dmitry Medvedev ended the latter's eight years as Russian Prime Minister.
Putin told Medvedev: "not everything worked out, but it's never the case that everything works out."#Russia #Putin pic.twitter.com/cbe9NZldOc
— Terrence Daniels (Captain Planet) (@Terrence_STR) January 15, 2020
The Russian president stressed the new shift of power will not affect the fundamental bases of the country’s rule of law. He also said these reforms are necessary to bring the Russian constitution up to date.
“Of course, you cannot help but agree with those who say that the Russian constitution was adopted over a quarter of a century ago already,” stated President Putin. “The state of affairs since then has changed drastically.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin addresses the State Council in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020. (Shamil Zhumatov/Pool Photo via AP)
Reports suggested Putin’s proposal will help him maintain power as prime minister when his fourth presidential term ends in 2024.
“Russia is facing pivotal and historical challenges,” he said. “Everything must be ultimately decided by the people.”
The Russian president said changes to the constitution will be put up to a national vote soon. He has also nominated Mikhail Mishustin, Head of the Federal Taxation Service, to take over as Prime Minister.
Vladimir Putin nominated Head of the Federal Taxation Service Mikhail Mishustin for the post of Prime Minister https://t.co/Pu17KZ6hQ2 pic.twitter.com/U9HOgR5t6r
— President of Russia (@KremlinRussia_E) January 15, 2020