Constitutional change in Russia
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Procedure for adopting constitutional amendments
Russia's current Constitution dates from 1993, when it was adopted by a referendum. Apart from a
few minor adjustments concerning the names and number of Russia's constituent regions, the only
major change to date was in
2008, when the terms of office of members of the Duma (lower house of
parliament) and president, previously four years each, were extended to five and six years respectively.
On 15 January 2020, Putin announced plans to overhaul the Constitution in his annual state of the
nation address
. After the mandatory three readings in the Duma, a bill to that effect was adopted by
a near-unanimous vote in both houses on 11 March. As required by the Constitution, the bill was
also put to Russia's 85 regional parliaments, which also gave it their unanimous approval.
Although there is no constitutional requirement to do so, the amendments will be put to a
nationwide vote (not a referendum, which under Russian law
would need at least a 50 % voter
turnout for a valid result). Citizens can only vote on the entire package of amendments and not on
individual proposals. The vote was originally planned for 22 April 2020, but was postponed due to
the coronavirus pandemic; according to sources
cited in Kommersant newspaper, 24 June and 8 July
are possible dates for the vote. To come into force, the constitutional changes must be approved by
over half of participants in the nationwide vote.
Summary of main amendments
The most important change was added by a surprise last-minute amendment, tabled by United
Russia deputy Valentina Tereshkova – the first-ever woman to go into space – during the third and
final reading. Citing the need for stability, she suggested that Putin's previous presidencies should
not count towards the two-term limit, thus opening the door to his remaining in power for 12 more
years after his fourth presidency ends in 2024 (in some Russian cities, critics accusing
Tereshkova of
being a willing pawn in a Kremlin-orchestrated manoeuvre have proposed that her name be
removed from local streets). Apart from this, the
amendments, which revise 42 of the Constitution's
137 articles, fall into four main groups, concerning 1) the role of Russia's political institutions,
2) Russian sovereignty, 3) socioeconomic benefits, and 4) values. Putin's January 2020 speech
already contained an outline of the main proposals in the first three groups, but the amendments
on values were all added subsequently by the State Duma.
Institutional changes to 'improve the balance of power'
In his January 2020 address, Putin argued that a 'greater balance between the branches of power'
was needed; however, despite some new competences for the parliament, the general tendency of
the amendments is to make the president even more powerful than at present.
The president will be allowed a maximum lifetime total of two terms in office (currently: a maximum
of two consecutive terms). Presidential terms held at or prior to the entry into force of this amendment
will not count towards the total. The president will have additional powers over the government; he
will be responsible for directing its work, and will acquire the right to dismiss (currently: only appoint)
the prime minister. The president will also be able to dismiss Constitutional Court judges and other
senior judges for misconduct. Last but not least, the president will have lifelong immunity, and
former presidents will become members of the Federation Council for life.
Parliament: two new categories of senator will join the Federation Council (which currently has
170 members, one from each of Russia's 85 regional governments and parliaments): former presidents,
and up to 30 senators appointed by the president for outstanding services to state or society, of
which up to seven may be senators for life. The Federation Council will be consulted by the president
on ministerial and other key appointments in fields such as defence, security, as well as home and
foreign affairs. The State Duma will confirm (currently: consents to) the appointment of the prime
minister and ministers (except for those consulted with the Federation Council) nominated by the
president. The parliament will have the right to question the government on its work.