Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev has submitted his resignation to President Vladimir Putin.
Medvedev, 54, and his Cabinet resigned on Wednesday after Putin gave an annual state of the nation address. During the speech, Putin spoke about amending the constitution to give more power to prime ministers and Cabinet members.
Putin, 67, reportedly told Medvedev that he was thankful for his service but also said that Medvedev and his Cabinet did not fully live up to the expectations set for them.
“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,” Putin told a meeting of the Cabinet of ministers.
“Not everything was done, but everything never works out in full,” he added.
The sudden shakeup comes as Putin attempts to reshape the country’s government prior to 2024 when he is constitutionally obligated to relinquish the presidency.
In Russia, presidents may not be elected for more than two consecutive terms. Putin was a two-term president from 2000 to 2008 and then used Medvedev as a holdover to break up the terms of service. Medvedev served as president from 2008 to 2012, after which Putin regained power and started a new eight-year cycle.
Putin’s plan for the end of his second eight-year stint leading the Kremlin is unclear but has fueled much speculation. He has hinted at staying in power beyond 2024 in the past.
Russia’s most prominent opposition leader, Alexei Navalny, said on Wednesday that Putin’s goal was to take “ownership of an entire country.”
“The main message of Putin’s address: All those who said that Putin will step away from power in 2024 are such idiots,” he said. “Remaining the sole leader for life, taking ownership of an entire country, and appropriating wealth to himself and his friends is the only goal of Putin and his regime.”
Sen. Ben Sasse responded to the news by pointing out Putin’s power over the country’s government.
“A story as old as time: Russian puppet master seeks new puppets,” the Nebraska Republican said in a statement after the resignation.
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