Medvedev stresses need to 'optimize' Russian political system
GORKI (Moscow Region), January 17 (RIA Novosti)-Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said on Monday more changes were needed to improve the Russian political system.
"Of course, all this should be done within the framework of the Constitution, but we, nevertheless, must optimize our political system," Medvedev said at a meeting with the State Duma and Federation Council speakers and other top Russian lawmakers.
The latest changes aimed at modernizing the Russian political system include the adoption on January 1 of a new procedure for forming the Federation Council, the upper house of parliament.
Under the new procedure, only deputies elected to regional and municipal representative bodies can become Russian senators. The residency requirement for lawmakers has also been abolished.
The Russian regions regain the right for an early recall of their representatives.
"This reform aims at returning the initial political sense to the Federation Council provided by the Constitution - to represent the interests of citizens and authorities of all Russian lands, that is - to be a comprehensive chamber of regions," Medvedev said.
Ever since replacing Vladimir Putin as president in 2008, Medvedev has urged a "modernization" of the country's political and economic system. He earlier said any changes should be gradual.
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