MOSCOW (AP) President Vladimir Putin today fast-tracked work on constitutional changes that could keep him in power well past the end of his term in 2024 while lawmakers quickly sealed his choice for new prime minister.
Speaking to a working group created to draft constitutional changes, Putin cast his proposals as a way to strengthen parliament and to bolster democracy. Kremlin critics described the proposed changes as an attempt by Putin to secure his rule for life.
The Russian leader proposed a set of sweeping amendments to the countrys constitution in Wednesdays state of the nation address. Hours later, he fired Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, who was prime minister for eight years, and named tax chief Mikhail Mishustin to succeed him.
The Kremlin-controlled lower house, the State Duma, quickly approved Mishustin by a unanimous vote today.
The reshuffle has shaken Russias political elites, who were left wildly speculating about Putins intentions and future Cabinet appointments.
A constitutional reform announced by Putin indicated he was working to carve out a new governing position for himself after his current six-year term ends in 2024, although it remains unclear what specific path he will take to stay in charge.
Putin has been in power longer than any other Russian or Soviet leader since Josef Stalin, who led from 1924 until his death in 1953. Under the current law, Putin must step down when his current term ends.
Alexei Navalny, Russias most prominent opposition leader, tweeted that Putins proposals reflected his intention to rule until he dies.
Putin suggested amending the constitution to allow lawmakers to name prime ministers and Cabinet members. The president currently holds the authority to make those appointments.
Speaking to the group tasked with drafting the amendments, Putin emphasized that they are intended to strengthen the role of civil society, political parties and regions in making key decisions about the development of our state.
The role of parliament will grow, and the interaction between parliament and the Cabinet will strengthen, he said.
At the same time, Putin argued that Russia would not remain stable if it were governed under a parliamentary system. The president should retain the right to dismiss the prime minister and Cabinet ministers, to name top defense and security officials, and to be in charge of the Russian military and law enforcement agencies, he said.
In his address, Putin said the constitution must also specify the authority of the State Council consisting of regional governors and top federal officials.
Observers speculated that Putin might try to stay in charge by shifting into the prime ministers seat again after increasing the powers of parliament and the Cabinet and trimming presidential authority. Others suggested that he could also try to continue pulling the strings as head of the State Council.
Another potential option is a merger with neighboring Belarus that would create a new position of the head of a new unified state. That prospect that has been rejected by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, an autocratic ruler who has been in power for more than quarter century.
Putin said that the constitutional changes need to be approved by a public vote, but officials said it doesnt imply a referendum and it wasnt immediately clear how it will be organized.
