On political and legal causations of constitutional changes of Russian Federation
https://doi.org/10.30729/2541-8823-2020-5-4-288-304
Abstract
The amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation of 2020 have generated a wide response both within Russia and abroad. The article reflects the legal content of the main amendments and attempts to show the political prerequisites for the decisions taken. Firstly, it notes the readiness of the political leadership to heed the opinion of constitutional scholars on the need to make adjustments in the system of relations between the branches of power, to enhance the role of parliament in the formation of government and control over its activity. Secondly, it is necessary to take steps towards eliminating political uncertainty caused by the forthcoming change of the state leader in 2024 due to the expiry of his constitutional term in office. Thirdly, the constitutional provisions aimed at protecting the sovereignty of the state and the rights of citizens. Fourth, the clarification of the powers of the state supreme bodies, which have been developed in federal laws. In the meantime, the task of introducing new constitutional constructions (public authority, senator, senator-for-life) was solved.
It is concluded that the result obtained in the nationwide vote was the result of a well-constructed step-by-step preparation of the amendment bill, its substantive content, the feelings and expectations of the country’s citizens, and the general domestic and foreign political environment. The 2020 amendments solved a number of legal problems. However, at the same time, the process of their discussion made it possible to demonstrate the presence in society of a consolidated core capable of upholding its national interests. This is a kind of assessment by the participants in the nationwide vote of the policy pursued by the current head of state and the country’s leadership as a whole. Despite the fair (in many people’s minds) criticism of the decisions taken by the authorities at all levels, the preservation of the fundamental values (stability, certainty, security) proved to be a priority for the majority of voters.
About the Author
A. F. Maly
Kazan (Volga region) Federal University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Aleksandr Maly (Kazan, Russia) – Doctor of Legal Science, Professor
18, Kremlyvskaya St., 420008, Kazan
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For citations:
Maly A.F. On political and legal causations of constitutional changes of Russian Federation. Kazan University Law Review. 2020;5(4):288-304. https://doi.org/10.30729/2541-8823-2020-5-4-288-304
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