Russian lawmakers vote on sweeping reforms

Moscow

Russian lawmakers were voting yesterday on a package of constitutional reforms as President Vladimir Putin looks to put his stamp on the country for decades to come. The reforms -- expected to sail through the lower house State Duma in the key second reading -- will overhaul Russia’s political system and enshrine conservative values in the country’s basic law.

Critics have accused Putin of planning to use the proposals to hold on to power after his current term expires in 2024. Others suggest that after more than 20 years in power, Putin is preparing for a smooth succession, amid fears of a chaotic struggle for power when the longtime leader goes. “This isn’t about me,” Putin, 67, said at a meeting with the public in the central city of Ivanovo on Friday. “We are proposing amendments not for five or 10 years but at least for 30 to 50 years. This is not about now.”

Slew of reforms

The reforms will give parliament the power to choose the government, while strengthening some presidential powers and increasing the role of the State Council, an advisory body. Some proposals aim at boosting living standards, including a guaranteed minimum wage and state pensions adjusted to inflation. And -- in line with Putin’s strongly conservative views -- the reforms would enshrine a mention of Russians’ “faith in God” and spell out that marriage is a heterosexual union.

The State Duma, dominated by Putin’s allies, unanimously approved an initial version of the reform bill in a first reading in late January, after less than two hours of debate. The session for the second reading began at noon (0900 GMT) yesterday. A third reading -- largely considered a final technicality -- may take place as early as Wednesday.

The upper house Federation Council has also put the reforms bill on its agenda for Wednesday. Putin has promised a public vote on the reforms once they are approved by parliament, though it is unclear exactly what form that vote will take. A date for a plebescite has been set for April 22