The entire Russian government resigned as Putin looks at making constitutional changes. Members of the outgoing government said they were leaving to give Putin "space" to make the changes he wanted. That seems totally normally legit thing to do.
My guess is Putin enhances the powers of the Prime Minister and becomes PM for life while making the position of President to figurehead status.
Quote:
Russia's prime minister and its entire government resigned on Wednesday as part of sweeping constitutional changes that could see President Vladimir Putin extend his hold on power.
In his annual state-of-the-nation speech, Putin said he favored changing the constitution to hand the State Duma, the lower house of Parliament, the power to choose Russia's prime minister and other key positions.
"Of course these are very serious changes to the political system," Putin said, adding that he thought Parliament and civil society was ready for the changes.
"It would increase the role and significance of the country's Parliament ... of parliamentary parties, and the independence and responsibility of the prime minister."
He proposed a nationwide vote on the changes.
Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, a longtime trusted ally of Putin’s, said on Wednesday that the government he heads was resigning to give the president room to carry out changes he wants to make to the constitution.
Medvedev made the announcement on state TV, sitting next to Putin who thanked Medvedev for his work.
Russian state media TASS agency said Putin has instructed the government to perform its duties until the new cabinet is formed.
Putin, who has been in power for nearly two decades as either president or prime minister, was due to finish his fourth presidential term in 2024, after which the constitution would bar him from immediately running for president again.
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https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/r...akeup-n1116176