Russian Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev announced the resignation of the Russian Government with all its cabinet members. This decision was known hours after the president, Vladimir Putin, delivered his speech to the Federal Assembly.
Explaining his decision, Medvedev said he considers it appropriate to resign amid Putin’s proposals to amend the country’s Constitution.
‘These amendments, when adopted. They will mean significant changes not only in several articles of the Constitution but also in the balance of executive, legislative and judicial power, » the prime minister said.
For his part, Vladimir Putin thanked the Government of Dmitri Medvedev for his work and in response to the measure announced his intention to create the position of Vice President of the Security Council and offer it to Medvedev. In addition, Putin said the acting cabinet chief can continue to address defense and security issues.
‘I want to thank you for everything that was done at this stage of our joint work. But all tasks are never fully accomplished, ”he said.
7 years in office
After more than 7 years and 8 months in office, Dmitri Medvedev has become the person who has long headed a cabinet of ministers in the modern history of Russia. The current Government, chaired by Medvedev, was formed on May 18, 2018.
Changes in the constitution
Vladimir Putin gave his annual address to the Federation Council and the State Duma, the two chambers of the Russian Parliament. In his speech, in addition to several social measures, the president proposed for discussion a series of constitutional changes.
The changes include transferring the power to approve the nominations of the prime minister and members of the Government from the president, as well as granting the right to Parliament, at the proposal of the head of government, to all deputy prime ministers and federal ministers.
In addition, Putin suggests adjusting the requirements for candidates for the Russian Presidency, that if the proposal is approved, they must prove to have resided permanently in Russia for at least 25 years and not have the citizenship or residence permit of another country.