The Constitution can and should be changed in accordance with the request of society – Kommersant

Director of the Russian Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) Sergei Naryshkin in his article for the magazine “Razvedchik” he expressed the opinion that the Constitution of Russia is a “living document.” According to him, it “can and should” change in accordance with the current needs of Russian society.

Article by Sergei Naryshkin “V. V. Putin – a quarter of a century at the helm of Russia” is dedicated to political events in the country that have occurred over the past 25 years. In the article, Mr. Naryshkin writes that in Russia “voices are being heard” about the need to search for a national idea. Sergei Naryshkin believes that the national idea consists of “relentless adherence” to the Constitution.

“Wishing the good of the country and its citizens, there is no need to “reinvent the wheel,” you just need to consistently strive to implement the provisions and norms of the Constitution in order to fully use the development resource inherent in it,” writes Mr. Naryshkin.

He noted that the guarantor of the Constitution is the president, who is authorized to make “sometimes difficult and unpopular,” but “always carefully thought out and balanced” decisions. “I would also like to remind you that the Constitution is a “living” document; it can and should change in accordance with the current needs of Russian society and emerging new challenges,” says the head of the SVR.

In December 2023, Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev said that under certain conditions “targeted changes” would be made to the Constitution. He noted that there are no such conditions now and expressed hope that they will not exist. According to him, amendments to the Constitution are usually required after a revolution.

The last time changes were made to the Constitution was in the summer of 2020. According to the voting results, amendments to the Constitution were supported by 77.92% of Russians. The changes took effect on July 4. The amendments nullified the terms of the president who already held this post, and also established a new procedure for appointing the government, the immunity of ex-presidents and the possibility of lifelong tenure as a senator.

Read more in the publication “Kommersant” “The Constitution is a fixable matter”.

Polina Motyzlevskaya