Moscow, Jan 15 (IANS): Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday proposed giving the State Duma, the lower house of Parliament, greater powers to choose the Prime Minister and other ministers.
Putin, who has been in power either as President or Prime Minister since 2000, also proposed a two-term limit on the Presidency and tighter residence qualifications for top posts, both in the political sphere and the judiciary.
In his State of the Nation address to senior leaders, he said a nationwide referendum should be held on these proposals, which will weaken the power of the Presidency, the post he holds till 2024.
The address was telecast live and special screens were put up at various public places, drawing large crowds who listened avidly to him.
Hours after his speech, Prime Minister Dmitri Medvedev announced that he and his government had submitted their resignations.