MOSCOW, (Reuters) – Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed changes in the constitution that would allow him to extend his presidency power limits and chose a new prime minister after Dmitry Medvedev and the government resigned from duties.
Putin picked a 53-year-old head of the tax service Mikhail Mishustin for the position of the next prime minister.
Many have criticized the president’s intentions to put a referendum that would provide him an opportunity to change the power system in the country.
Putin thanked Medvedev for his loyalty and achievements during his televised speech.
Medvedev said he was stepping down as prime minister to give Putin room to carry out his plans.
The ex-prime minister will now take on a new job as deputy head of Russia’s security Council that Putin chairs.
