Putin Improves Russian Constitution

On January 15th, my wife and I watched the Russian language broadcast of Vladimir Putin’s Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly, January 15, and proposed changes to the Russian Constitution. We agree that Putin was genuine and revolutionary, and presented himself as a world statesman.

Note that Russia provides an ‘open’ English translation, but Canada and the US governments do not provide translations for foreign governments.

Putin, now 67, has been in power since 1999 — more than 20 years. In 2024 his current term ends and he will step down, unless an early election is held. The system he has put in place should continue into the future. Russia deserves to maintain its moral authority in which it and the former Soviet Union won World War II and defeated the The Third Reich at a cost of over 27 million citizens.

Our impression is nearly the opposite of most Western news commentators critical of Putin for allegedly seeking to enhance his power, and his behaviour contrasts with most western politicians who appear more focused on getting reelected than serving their constituencies.

Putin introduced his proposals with this introduction:

The Presidential Address to the Federal Assembly is delivered at the very beginning of the year for the first time. We need to address large-scale social, economic and technological tasks facing the country more quickly and without delay. … Our society is clearly calling for change. People want development, and they strive to move forward in their careers and knowledge in achieving prosperity, and they are ready to assume responsibility for specific work. Quite often, they have better knowledge of what, how and when should be changed where they live and work, that is, in cities, districts, villages and all across the nation … And, I repeat, they must be actively involved in this process.

Putin said although the potential of the 1993 Constitution is far from being exhausted, he suggests ‘a number of constitutional amendments for discussion, ... for the further development of Russia as a rule-of-law welfare state where citizens’ freedoms and rights, human dignity and well-being constitute the highest value.’

Here are Putin’s main proposals for a public vote:

• Education National Project — Across the vast country, more day nurseries, teacher training, computers, student lunches, teacher aides and support. More university scholarships for medical specialists and technology.
• Birth rate — Financial support for 2 child couples.
• Internet — Free to all citizens.
• Democracy — Move some powers from the President to the Duma (Parliament).
• Medical — Enhanced free healthcare and medicine.
• Wages, Pensions— Living minimum wage.
• Military — No budget change. Now about 10% of USA budget. No threat of war.
• Residency — Any future President should live in Russia continuously for 25 years.
• Citizenship — Civil servants barred from holding multiple citizenship.
• President term limit — 2 consecutive terms.
• State council — Increased scope and powers.

In compliance with Putin’s proposals, 18 of the 23 members of the Federal Cabinet of Russia stepped down, and 5 remained. Most news focused on Prime Minister Dimitry Medvedev who was replaced by Mikhail Mishustin.

Many speculate that Putin will try to manage the more strategic and powerful State Council for the rest of his life. ('The World Is Experiencing a New Form of Autocracy,' The Atlantic, March 2020.)

Russian insider, Abbas Gallyamov, a former government speech writer, reported on his Facebook page (January 21, 2020) that Putin removed 3 people strongly disliked in certain parts of society — the ministers for culture and education, and a deputy prime minister who oversaw sport at the height of a doping scandal. Previously the Kremlin said it would appoint who it wanted and didn’t care if people didn’t like their choice. Now the logic has changed and the authorities do not want to irritate society. It appears that public opinion matters. But, the new cabinet needs more business leaders to improve the economy. In general, there are no major changes to government ideology.

Russia-born writer Dmitry Orlov explained in his blog what Putin is trying to accomplish and ended with '... three elements ... missing ... from the proposed constitutional changes: titular nation status for Russians, their right of return, and right of self-determination for long-term de facto independent regions.'

In general, my wife and I believe that Russia is emerging with a new human face in a changing world, while most ‘Western media ... was aghast. “What is Putin up to?” ’ …’ What’s going on? … ‘’a major shakeup’.

I must repeat: Bashing Putin and Russia is Dangerous (November 4, 2016).

Despite the confusion in Western media, Putin's proposals have received many positive reviews:

• Hal Freeman. Putin's Speech to the Federal Assembly. Changes to Russia's Constitution. Another Point of View. February 25, 2020.
• Sharon Tennison, Shake-up in the Kremlin? Putin Selects a New Leader? Johnson's Russia List, January 24, 2020. 
• Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber, and Maria Kiselyova. Russia gets new government in what Putin calls major renewal, Reuters, January 21, 2020.
• Bryan MacDonald. Russian Political Earthquake: Putin Sets out Plans for Kremlin Departure & Medvedev Resigns, RT, 18 January 2020.
• Johanna Ross. Putin Updates Russian Constitution as Western Media Tries to Catch Up, Infobrics. January 17, 2020.
• Natylie Baldwin. Putin Proposes Changes to Constitution at Address to Federal Assembly; Medvedev Resigns, Head of Russia’s Tax Service Named New Prime Minister - What’s Going On? Natylie’s Place (blog), January 17, 2020.
• Dmitry Orlov, Life After Putin, Club Orlov (blog), January 17, 2020.
• Regina Smyth, Russia’s cabinet resigns and it’s all part of Putin’s plan, The Conversation, January 15, 2020.