Putin To Extend Tenure, Forces Cabinet To Resign

The Russian government resigned recently at the request of President Vladimir Putin, following the announcement he made towards making constitutional changes that would increase the power of the country’s parliament.

In his annual press briefing, Putin hinted that constitutional reforms were underway in the nation, adding that it would be put to a national vote.

Reuters reported that Putin proposed constitutional changes on Wednesday that would give him scope to extend his grip on power after leaving the presidency, and picked a new prime minister after Dmitry Medvedev and his cabinet stepped down.

On his part, Russia’s prime minister, Dmitry Medvedev said that he and his cabinet were leaving office at Putin’s request.

“A whole range of fundamental changes to the constitution of the Russian Federation have been designated.

“When they have been accepted, it will change the balance of executive, legislative and judicial power,” he said.

Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin has been a top Russian politician for many years, serving as the president of Russia since 2012, previously holding the position from 2000 until 2008.

He was also the prime minister of Russia from 1999 to 2000 and again from 2008 to 2012.