Why the entire Russian government has resigned
Shock move followed speech from Vladimir Putin in which he signalled plans to prolong his reign
The Russian government resigned yesterday just hours after Vladimir Putin suggested constitutional reforms that would allow him to extend his reign.
The 67-year-old first became president 20 years ago, with his fourth term in office due to expire in 2024.
The BBC says the government’s resignation, led by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, “came as a surprise” - and triggered what The Guardian describes as a “sweeping reshuffle” of Russia’s leadership.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
What is Putin proposing?
The drama began after a state of the nation address, in which Putin proposed a nationwide referendum on shifting power away from the president to parliament. He suggested amending the constitution to allow politicians to name prime ministers and cabinet members - appointments currently made by the president.
He also proposed an increased role for an advisory body called the State Council, amendments to the time limits on presidential terms and limits for the supremacy of international law.
Why did the government resign?
Outgoing PM Medvedev, who has been replaced by technocrat Mikhail Mishustin, said: “These changes, when they are adopted... will introduce substantial changes not only to an entire range of articles of the constitution, but also to the entire balance of power, the power of the executive, the power of the legislature, the power of judiciary.
“In this context... the government in its current form has resigned.”
Accepting the resignations, Putin thanked members of the government for their work and added that “not everything worked out”.
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––For a round-up of the most important stories from around the world - and a concise, refreshing and balanced take on the week’s news agenda - try The Week magazine. Start your trial subscription today –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
What is Putin playing at?
Putin appears to be paving the way to remain in power beyond 2024, perhaps in an alternative role. He has form in cynical manoeuvring to remain in charge: in 2008, he swapped places with the prime minister to dodge the constitutional provision that banned the same person from serving two consecutive terms as president.
The details of Putin’s plans are “murky”, but “in reality the details do not much matter” as “Russia is a dictatorship masquerading as a democracy”, says The Economist.
“Whether Mr Putin is president, prime minister, head of the State Council or honorary chairman of the National Bridge Association, makes a lot less difference than it would in a real democracy,” it says.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Georgia's new foreign influence bill
Under the Radar Critics claim the 'Russian law' could stifle dissent and wreck the country's chances of joining the EU
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
'Making a police state out of the liberal university'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
8 looming climate tipping points that imperil our planet
The Explainer New reports detail the thresholds we may be close to crossing
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Chechnya in jeopardy: what would death of Ramzan Kadyrov mean for Putin?
Today's Big Question Strongman leader is 'terminally ill', stoking fears of armed conflict in the North Caucasus
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
'Islamic State attacks from Afghanistan into Iran and now Russia should be wake-up calls'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
Putin's sham election
Opinion Protest votes show Russian dissent still simmers
By Susan Caskie Published
-
Russia blames Ukraine for deadly ISIS Moscow attack
Speed Read Putin has ignored the Islamic State's claim of responsibility for the concert hall shooting
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Will Aukus pact survive a second Trump presidency?
Today's Big Question US, UK and Australia seek to expand 'game-changer' defence partnership ahead of Republican's possible return to White House
By Sorcha Bradley, The Week UK Published
-
What can we expect from Vladimir Putin's fifth term?
Today's Big Question 'Conflict abroad and crackdown at home' to continue after Russian president secures new mandate
By Elliott Goat, The Week UK Published
-
Putin's preordained win marred by protests
speed read Voters participated in a silent protest — endorsed by late opposition leader Alexei Navalny — against the president
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Russians start to vote in election Putin will win
speed read Putin's opponents are mostly in prison, exiled or dead
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published