Dmitry Medvedev, the Prime Minister of Russia, submitted his resignation today to the country’s President, Vladimir Putin, as reported by the official Russian news agency TASS. As the Prime Minister resigns, every cabinet member is removed from their authority as well; this officially cedes all direction of government activity to the President, Vladimir Putin.
Medvedev is not viewed negatively by Putin; the Russian President has suggested Medvedev will be named to the newly-created position of Deputy Head of the Russian Security Council. The official reason the Prime Minister is stepping down is that the Prime Minister’s cabinet failed to meet the objectives set for it, but Putin directly stated that he recognized that he was satisfied with their efforts.
“For my part, I also want to thank you for everything that was done at this stage of our joint work, I want to express satisfaction with the results that have been achieved.”
“Not everything was done, but everything never works out in full.”
Vladimir Putin, via TASS
Multiple official Russian news agencies state that the cabinet ministers have been asked to remain at their positions until such time as new people can be selected by Putin to fill their roles.
The decision by Medvedev came mere hours after Putin’s yearly State of the Nation address, during which Putin suggested amending the country’s constitution to increase powers of the Prime Minister and reduce the powers of the Presidency. He stressed that any such actions would need to be voted on by the Russian people.
That portion of the address has been interpreted by analysts to be part of an effort by Putin to remain at the helm of the country after his Presidential term ends in 2024. By insisting on a popular vote, he can delay any power transfer until it would be politically advantageous for him, and by shifting key authorities, he could step down from the Presidency and run for Prime Minister, effectively keeping himself in control of the country for the foreseeable future.
