No Reprieve For Russian Governors
Russian President Vladimir Putin's plans to have a more uniform understanding of law throughout the world's largest nation appears to be coming closer into fruition.
Although discussions failed between Russia's regional bosses and the nation's lower house of parliament Friday, it left space for the State Duma to impose Putin's will to remove local regional governor's powers.
Earlier this year Putin announced to the regional leaders throughout Russia's districts that communication between them and Moscow was imperative. His plans to impose his government appointees would be aimed to unify rather than undermine local authorities' powers.
The head of Russia's Regions faction in the Duma, Oleg Morozov, said a joint committee seeking compromise with the governors on Putin's legislative package had ended its proceedings "in a total collapse."
Morozov said the Duma will now be able to vote next week to reverse the veto that governors initiated as members of the upper house, the Federation Council.
The Duma has already passed the bills with majorities large enough to override the veto.
The law is a major part of Putin's move to increase the Kremlin's overall control of the districts.
Legislation would have an impact on the governors' parliamentary seats, making them subject to criminal investigation and giving Putin more authority over them.
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