General Cuong: Amending the Russian Constitution is Putin's revolution

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Photo: TASS

Reporter: The referendum to change the Russian Constitution is considered the most prominent event in the first half of 2020. International public opinion considers it a constitutional revolution. Major General, can you tell us why Russian President Putin decided to amend the Constitution?

Major General Le Van Cuong:Originally, amending the Constitution is Russia's own business. However, because Russia is a powerful country, part of the Russia - US - China trio, it has influence and control over all development processes in the world. Therefore, amending the Constitution attracts great attention.

Regarding the amendment of the Constitution, in his 2020 Federal Message, President Vladimir Putin made a request. The current Constitution of Russia came into effect on December 12, 1993. Under President Yeltsin, the 1993 Constitution was born in the context of chaos in Russia, hastily after the clash and shooting at the Parliament building in 1991.

Moreover, Russia exists on a vast territory, occupying 1/7 of the world's area, with 200 ethnic groups and 300 different languages. Such a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-lingual country is completely different from the West.

However, the 1993 Constitution is a hybrid, borrowing political and legal ideas from the West. Therefore, the 1993 Constitution seems to be a "premature child", not bearing Russia's own identity. This Constitution was used before July 1, 2020, but did not reflect the historical and political inheritance of the development process of the State and the socio-cultural nature of Russia.

So, 27 years have passed, but the issue of amending the 1993 Constitution is still something that needs to be done, and is absolutely correct.

The amendment to the Constitution was proposed by President Putin in his Federal Address in early 2020. Illustrative photo

PV: Major General, what are the differences between the draft revised Constitution and the 1993 Russian Constitution?

Major General Le Van Cuong: In terms of politics, the new Constitutional Bill has some new points, especially increasing the power of the legislative body including the State Duma (Lower House) and the Federation Council (Upper House). If previously 90% of the power was in the hands of the president, the first thing in the constitutional amendment is to increase the power of the National Assembly.

For example, previously, the President appointed the Prime Minister and notified the State Duma, but under the new constitution, the Duma retains the right to approve the appointment of the Prime Minister, after which the President only needs to make the appointment decision. Or for the positions of some important ministers such as the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of the Interior... if previously, the President had full authority to appoint, now the President is required to consult and receive the consent of the Federation Council. Also under the new constitution, the Federation Council has the right to dismiss the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and approve a series of laws. Thus, the structure of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches has increased power.

In addition to the organs of the National Assembly, according to the new Constitution, the National Security Council also plays an extremely important role. This body ensures the continuous development of the country in terms of personnel, politics, and economy. The National Security Council can be headed by a recently retired president. This paves the way for President Putin to hold power in the National Security Council.

Russian people go to the polls to vote in a referendum on constitutional amendments. Photo: TASS

On the other hand, the 2020 Constitution has stricter regulations for candidates participating in the presidential election. Accordingly, candidates must have lived in Russia for 25 consecutive years and have never had dual citizenship. For members of the Duma, the Federation Council, the Government, and the Supreme Court, it is also required that they have not had dual citizenship in the past. With this strict requirement, members of the apparatus must be truly loyal to Russia.

In addition, the 2020 Constitution attaches importance to ensuring social security. It clearly stipulates that the minimum wage must not be lower than the minimum living standard, and the ultimate goal of the federal state is to ensure a full life for both material and spiritual needs of the people.

Thus, the amendments to the Constitution this time focus on two clear directions: Ensuring State power, enforcing national security, protecting territorial integrity; respecting people's rights, ensuring an increasingly developed standard of living. On this basis, the 2020 Constitution is progressive and humane.

PV: Major General, what is President Putin's real purpose in requesting constitutional amendments?

Major General Le Van Cuong:It can be said that under former President Yeltsin, Russia fell into the abyss and was almost on the brink of disintegration. Over the past 20 years, President Putin has made great contributions in reviving Russia from the ruins of his predecessor, becoming a leading military power in the world. Moreover, since 2014, despite being surrounded by embargoes and sanctions from the US and the West, under Putin's leadership, Russia has not collapsed, continuing to stand firm and demonstrate its strength. Patriotic Russians all acknowledge President Putin's great contributions.

Before the Federation Council, President Putin proposed amending the Constitution, with the content of increasing the power of the National Assembly. Photo: The New York Times

In my opinion, President Putin's wish when proposing to amend the Constitution is to ensure that Russia develops stably, sustainably, and powerfully after his term ends. In other words, he wants to build a powerful Russia so that President Putin can confidently transfer power, ensuring that after he leaves office, Russia will still develop strongly and face all difficulties.

For the next 10 or 15 years, Russia will still be under the siege of Western sanctions. Seeing clearly that difficult time, President Putin wants more time to increase the ability to resolve conflicts in the complex relationship with the West; at the same time, protect and promote all the achievements of President Putin in the 20 years.

PV: Why do American and Western public opinion criticize Putin as a power-hungry person who wants to become a Tsar? Is it true that the new Constitution paves the way for Putin to run for President in 2024, or even in 2030? That means Putin can be President of Russia until 2036. Could you please explain this issue, Major General?

Major General Le Van Cuong:In the referendum held on July 1, Russian voters will vote “Yes” or “No” on 206 issues in the draft Constitution. However, in reality, Russian voters are only interested in one issue: Amending Clause 3, Article 81, Chapter IV, of the 1993 Constitution; which will remove the presidential term limit, paving the way for President Putin to run for election, possibly serving as president until 2036. This is the issue that the US and the West have criticized.

This referendum is seen as a way for President Putin to strengthen the people's trust. In the photo, President Putin attends the Victory Day parade in Red Square on June 24. Photo: CNBC

Even in Russia, there are two streams of opinion. However, according to the results of public opinion polls, the majority of Russian people agree to amend the Constitution. Because they realize that, in the context of Russia being surrounded by complex situations, the country needs a decisive, intelligent, and courageous leader to cope with difficulties at home and abroad, especially to maintain its position as a great power.

A week ago, President Putin said he would run for election if the Constitution were amended. I believe that the Russian President will definitely run for election in 2024, but whether he will run in 2030 or not is unclear. President Putin needs another term, with a time frame of 10 years, to prepare his successor team and continue to promote his legacy. 10 years is enough for the Russian President to both revive the economy and strengthen and enhance national defense and security potential; form a strong state apparatus with his successor as the core, with enough courage, intelligence, and qualities, to raise Russia's position.

PV: Will the implementation of the new Constitution have any impact on Russia's role in the international arena and Russia's major relationships, Major General?

Major General Le Van Cuong:The majority of Russians support President Putin. History shows that in every period when Russia is strong, there is a strong “tsar” who is wholeheartedly devoted to Russia. Therefore, the purpose of amending this Constitution is to build a strong state system, helping Russia maintain its position in the region and the world.

The essence of amending the Constitution is that Russian President Vladimir Putin wants more time to prepare his successor. Photo: TASS

Of course, Russia's continued growth is supported by many countries. Russia's development benefits the international community and maintains the trend of peaceful development and stability in the world. However, there are also many objections, especially from the West.

In any case, this constitutional amendment is truly revolutionary. No one can stop it, whether they like it or not. And certainly, Russia will continue to develop and maintain its role in the region, as well as on the international stage.

PV: Thank you, Major General!

As of 7:30 a.m. on July 2 (Vietnam time), the preliminary vote count for the referendum reached 99.02%. According to the results, 78.03% of Russians agreed to amend the Constitution.

Voting for the referendum took place from June 25 throughout Russia, and ended on July 1 - the main holiday.

According to TASS

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