President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday proposed a nationwide vote on sweeping constitutional changes that would shift power from the presidency to parliament and the prime minister, a move that could allow him to extend his rule after leaving the Kremlin. In power as either president or prime minister since 1999, Putin, 67, is due to step down in 2024 when his fourth presidential term ends. "It would increase the role and significance of the country's parliament ... of parliamentary parties, and the independence and responsibility of the prime minister." Putin's comments are likely to reignite speculation about his plans once his current presidential term ends in 2024. Under the proposals, the prime minister would present parliament with candidates for the country's deputy prime ministers and government ministers, which parliament would also confirm.

Source: The Star January 15, 2020 14:48 UTC