MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin said that the proposed Russian Constitutional Reforms are not to extend his grip on power but to improve Russia’s political system.
President Putin unleashed a political storm on January 15, proposing an overhaul of the Russian constitution. A move that triggered the resignation of the unpopular prime minister Dmitry Medvedev and his government. The proposals stirred speculation that Putin is trying to extend his hold on power after his Kremlin term expires in 2024.
Putin said that “During my work as president and prime minister it’s become obvious to me that some things don’t function as they should. There are issues like health care, education, which should be done at the municipal level. This is why I have proposed this and not to extend my powers.” He was at a college in the city of Cherepovets,
Vladimir Putin’s Russian Constitutional Reforms proposal foresee tightening control over local authorities. Meanwhile, also strengthening the role of an advisory body called the State Council and the Presidency itself. Kremlin critics have been unanimous in their hostility to the reform. Opposition leader Alexei Navalny saying Putin wants to make himself “leader for life”.
Last month Russian parliament’s lower house unanimously approved the Russian Constitutional Reforms bill, after less than two hours of debate. Vladimir Putin insisted the public would have the final say to either support or reject the legislation during a plebiscite.
A group set up to help draft constitutional amendments has been reviewing a number of proposals. These includes a suggestion to mention God in the country’s basic law. Meanwhile, another suggestion as well to change the title “president” to “Supreme Leader.”