Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Legal News Blogs -> JURIST - The Paper Chase

Legal News

: JURIST - The Paper Chase

Russia amends constitution to extend presidential terms

By Bernard Hibbitts (editor) and University of Pittsburgh School of Law students.

[JURIST] Russian President Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday signed into law amendments to the Russian Constitution extending presidential terms from four to six years and terms for parliament members from four to five years. The amendments were recently approved by both houses of parliament and all 83 regional parliaments, and will not apply to Medvedev's current presidential term, which expires in 2012. Medvedev also approved amendments which provide for the Russian State Duma to require annual reports from government agencies, and to allow the body to question government officials regarding agency performance. The changes are the first to be made to Russia's post-Soviet constitution since its adoption in 1993. Critics fear the move is designed to afford a longer third for former president and current prime minister Vladimir Putin should Medvedev step aside. Kremlin officials, however, contend the amendments will strengthen the political system. Despite speculation about Medvedev's possible ambitions to eclipse Putin, experts note any fissures in their partnership could severally hinder the government. Medvedev proposed the changes in his first state of the nation address in November.

Full post as published by JURIST - The Paper Chase on December 30, 2008 (boomark / email).