Russian President Vladimir Putin submitted to parliament a package of constitutional amendments widely seen as an attempt to secure his grip on power well after his current term ends in 2024.
Russian government resigns after Putin proposed constitutional changes
The Kremlin-controlled lower house, the State Duma, received a draft bill on constitutional proposals from the Kremlin and quickly scheduled the first of three required readings for Thursday. Observers say that the proposed changes could allow Putin to stay in charge by shifting into the position of the Council's head.
Putin served two presidential terms in 2000-2008 and then shifted into the prime minister's position to observe the term limit but effectively remained in charge while his associate Dmitry Medvedev served as a placeholder president in 2008-2012. Medvedev obediently stepped down after to allow Putin reclaim the top job and move into premiership after amending the constitution to extend the president's term from four years to six.
Putin's amendments include a proposal to give the constitution a clear priority over international law — a tweak seen as a reflection of the Kremlin's irritation over the European Court of Human Rights' rulings that held Russia responsible for human rights violations. Parallel to lawmakers, a working group created by Putin will also consider the proposed changes before they are put to the vote.
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