Prime Minister Dimitry Medvedev has..........>

RUSSIA: Prime Minister Dimitry Medvedev has announced the resignation of the

country's gov't, shortly after President Vladimir Putin delivered his annual

State of the Nation Address. 

- In the address, Putin called for constitutional changes that would shift some

powers from the office of the president to the lower house of parliament, the

State Duma. These powers would include the ability to name Cabinet ministers and

the prime minister. At present, the prime minister holds few powers compared to

the president.

- Putin's current term in office ends in 2024. Under the current constitution he

is not entitled to run for another period in office, with a limit of two

consecutive six-year terms in place.

- Today, Medvedev announced the resignation of the gov't, with Putin naming his

close ally and president from 2008-12 to the post of Deputy Head of the Security

Council. 

- Should the constitutional changes be made, Putin could shift to become (an

empowered) prime minister after leaving office in 2024.