In a rather unexpected turn of events, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and the entire Russian government resigned last Wednesday after President Vladimir Putin proposed constitutional reforms that would let him retain control after his presidential term in 2024.

What’s in this Amendment?

The reform gives him the option of becoming prime minister with extended powers after his presidential term. Additionally, the constitutional amendments will strengthen the powers of the prime minister above that of the presidency.

How the Current System Works

According to the current constitution of Russia, the President is not a part of the Government of Russia. But, the President does appoint the Prime Minister. The members of the government are the prime minister, deputy prime minister and federal ministers. The members of the government assist the Prime Minister in carrying out the country’s domestic and foreign policy as determined by the President, in general.

Why It Matters

Putin’s new amendment seeks to change this as he leaves office, paving the way for him to continue to play an active role in governing Russia. This means his successor as president will be less powerful and will not be able to reject parliament’s choice of the prime minister, deputy prime ministers and federal ministers in future administrations. Also, this will trigger snap elections to elect new members of parliament.

The Kremlin is considering calling early elections before dissent grows over the constitutional change. The lower house of the Russian parliament will discuss and vote on the country’s next prime minister on January 16. The Kremlin is, however, considering snap elections to elect new members of parliament.

President Putin has appointed Mikhail Mishustin, the head of the country’s tax service (now former) as the Prime Minister till elections hold.