Putin seeks to boost powers of parliament, Cabinet

President Vladimir Putin proposed Wednesday to tweak the Russian Constitution to increase the powers of parliament and the Cabinet, a move that could herald his intention to shift into a new position to stay at the helm after his current term expires. Speaking in his state of the nation address before top officials and legislators, Putin suggested amending the constitution to allow lawmakers to name prime ministers and Cabinet members. The right currently belongs to the president.

“It will increase the role of parliament and parliamentary parties, (and) powers and independence of the prime minister and all Cabinet members,” Putin said. At the same time, Putin argued that the president should retain the right to dismiss the prime minister and Cabinet ministers. He said that the president should have the power to name top defence and security officials.

Putin emphasised 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 president 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. Observers speculated that he may stay in charge by shifting into the prime minister's seat after increasing the powers of parliament and the Cabinet and trimming presidential authority. Other potential options include a merger with neighbouring Belarus, and becoming the head of a new unified state - a prospect rejected by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.