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Russia’s Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has announced that his government has submitted its resignation. Medvedev made the announcement on Russian state TV, TASS. Medvedev said the decision was to allow President Vladimir Putin to make key constitutional changes.

The Russian President thanked Medvedev, a close ally, for his work following the resignation. Mr Medvedev, a long-time close associate of Mr Putin's, has served as Russia's prime minister since 2012. The move came after Vladimir Putin earlier proposed a flurry of constitutional changes in what could be seen to be an attempt to pave the way for him to stay on after his presidential term expires in 2024. President Putin's fourth term in office is due to end in 2024, and under the existing constitution, he would not be entitled to another term.

Russia's Prime Minister has resigned in a shock announcement

Prime Minister Medvedev announced the government's resignation on Wednesday

Mr Medvedev told the Tass news agency that the constitutional changes proposed by President Putin would introduce "substantial changes not only to an entire range of articles of the constitution but also to the entire balance of power, the power of the executive, the power of the legislature, the power of judiciary". "In that context, we, as the government of the Russian Federation, must provide our country's president an opportunity to make all necessary decisions and in these conditions, I think the government of the Russian Federation made the proper move to resign," The decision from the Russian government will see all ministers stepping down, pending reappointment. Putin has also asked ministers to continue working in their current roles until a new government is formed, according to Reuters. READ MORE: Russia in crisis: Why has PM Dmitry Medvedev quit? What happens next for Putin?

Putin is thought to have asked ministers to continue in their roles until a new Government is formed

During Putin’s annual state-of-the-nation speech, the Russian President called for broad changes to the constitution. In an address to Russia's Federal Assembly, Putin hinted the effective lower house of parliament, should be given the right to name cabinet ministers and the prime minister, a power that currently belongs to the president. According to Reuters, Mr Putin also said Russia must remain a “strong presidential republic”. He said: “This will increase the role and significance of the country's parliament.” DON'T MISS:

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Adding: “Given that the proposed reforms concern significant changes to the political system, the work of legislative, executive and judicial authorities, I believe it is necessary to hold a plebiscite on the entire package of the proposed amendments to the Russian Constitution”. Local reports suggest the post of deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council has been introduced and offered to Medvedev. Putin is the chairman of the Security Council, and it includes 11 permanent members. Emerging local reports suggest cabinet ministers were not informed about the imminent resignation of the government.

The decision came after Putin discussed constitutional changes

Commenting on the resignation of Medvedev and the Russian government, Adeline Van Houtte, Europe Analyst at The Economist Intelligence Unit, said the move would allow “Putin to be able to choose loyalists that he will put in power positions in his new government”. Adeline Van Houtte said: “The Russian government has resigned following an unexpected speech by the head of state Vladimir Putin announcing constitutional reforms, which would increase the powers of the Prime Minister and cabinet members in Russia. “This will fuel speculations ahead of 2024 (the end of Putin's second consecutive term).

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