JRL NEWSWATCH: “Russia’s Parliament Passes Putin’s Constitutional Plans on First Reading” – Wall Street Journal/ Georgi Kantchev, Thomas Grove

Proposals could allow Russia’s president to exercise power beyond his 2024 term limit

“Russia’s parliament … gave preliminary approval to … Putin’s constitutional overhaul … [which] could allow him to maintain control over the country’s political scene after his term ends in 2024. The Kremlin-controlled State Duma … unanimously passed the constitutional amendments bill in the first of three readings. All 432 lawmakers were in favor of the bill … the vote was followed by a standing ovation. … Putin’s proposals … amounted to a broad overhaul of the balance of power in Russia, handing the prime minister and parliament nominally more power. The changes would limit the power of a potential successor and enshrine the State Council, an advisory body … Putin already heads, in the constitution as a tool of Russia’s executive branch. The proposals have fueled speculation … Putin could remain in control and guide policy from the council, and were quickly followed by the resignation of the government and the appointment of a new premier and cabinet. …”

Click here for: “Russia’s Parliament Passes Putin’s Constitutional Plans on First Reading; Proposals could allow Russia’s president to exercise power beyond his 2024 term limit” – Wall Street Journal/ Georgi Kantchev, Thomas Grove