MOSCOW — President Vladimir Putin told leaders of the four parties in parliament that proposed constitutional amendments are necessary to ensure Russia moves forward.
His comments came at a meeting that concluded before dawn today looking ahead to an expected second reading of his proposed amendments Tuesday. The second reading is critical because that is when lawmakers in the Duma can make substantial changes in proposed legislation.
“It is not enough just to draw a line under the certain stage of our country’s development. We need guarantees that it is impossible to slide back in the direction to which we do not want to return,” Putin told the lawmakers.
He proposed amending the constitution in January’s state-of-the-nation speech, saying it is necessary to broaden the powers of parliament. Kremlin critics have described the proposed changes as part of Putin’s efforts to remain in charge after his current six-year term ends in 2024.
A national referendum on the amendments is set for April 22. On Monday, Putin presented 24 pages of additional amendments for the second reading.
