Russian govt resigns as Prez Putin proposes constitutional changes

In Russia, entire federal government resigned last night after President Vladimir Putin announced that a range of constitutional changes are needed. Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has also resigned.

Tass news agency said Medvedev submitted his resignation to President Vladimir Putin. Putin asked Medvedev to become deputy head of the National Security Council, which is chaired by Putin. Prime Minister Medvedev said, the president's proposals will significantly change Russia's balance of power.

Hours after the



government resigned, President Putin proposed the head of Russia's tax service Mikhail Mishustin for the post of prime minister. Putin, in his annual address to Parliament, proposed a referendum on amending Russia's constitution to increase the powers of parliament, while maintaining a strong presidential system.

The unexpected announcement comes four years before Putin's fourth term of office is due to end. Putin asked Medvedev's Cabinet to keep working until the new Cabinet is formed.