Russian President Vladimir Putin is delivering a speech on constitutional amendments in the Russian State Duma.
The Russian president has stated that there's no need in holding early parliamentary elections.
"Of course, this will be your decision in the long run. But if there is no consensus in the parliament on the matter, and as [lower house chairman [Viacheslav Volodin] has told me, there is no consensus, then I see no need to hold early elections to the State Duma," Putin said in his address for lower house lawmakers.
Speaking further, the Russian president said that constitutional amendments he proposed in January would bolster national sovereignty and help the society.
"The changes are long overdue… I am convinced they will be useful to the country, the society and our citizens because they are aimed at bolstering our sovereignty, traditions and values," he said.
In late January, Russian President Vladimir Putin submitted a bill to the Duma on amendments to the fundamental law. The changes aim to develop provisions that enshrine the foundations of the constitutional system, including human and civil rights and freedoms.
The lower house supported the document in the first reading. The second reading of the bill to amend the constitution is scheduled for March 10, with the third scheduled for March 11.
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