OP NOTE: This basically seems like Putin's carving a way to be dictator for life, similar to Xi what did in China, by transferring Presidential powers to the Prime Minister role (his Presidential term expires 2024). The cabinet resigning is simply to facilitate the recalibration of powers.
President Vladimir Putin proposed Wednesday tweaking the Russian Constitution to increase the powers of parliament and the Cabinet, a move that could herald his intention to take a political position that would let him stay at the helm after his presidency ends.
During his state of the nation address, Putin suggested amending the constitution to allow lawmakers to name prime ministers and Cabinet members. The authority to make those appointments currently belongs to Russia's president.
"It will increase the role of parliament and parliamentary parties, powers and independence of the prime minister and all Cabinet members," Putin told an audience of top officials and lawmakers.
Putin emphasized that constitutional changes must be put to a nationwide vote.
Putin's current term expires in 2024, and Russia's political elites have been abuzz with speculation about his future plans.
The 67-year-old Putin has remained at the helm for more than 20 years — longer than any other Russian or Soviet leader since Josef Stalin. He will have to step down after his term ends under the current law, which limits the president to two consecutive terms.
Political analyst Kirill Rogov said that Putin's proposals indicate his intention to remain in charge while re-distributing powers between various branches of government.
"Such a model resembling the Chinese one would allow Putin to stay at the helm indefinitely while encouraging rivalry between potential successors," Rogov said on Facebook.
Last edited: