MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed entrusting the State Duma (lower house) with power to nominate prime minister, deputy prime ministers and federal ministers, adding that the president will be obliged to appoint the nominated candidates, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in his annual State of the Nation Address to the Federal Assembly (parliament) on Wednesday.

"I propose changing <…> the order and task the State Duma with more than just agreeing but also nominating candidate to head the Russian government. Later, upon their recommendation, the recommendation of prime minister, [it will nominate] all deputy prime ministers and federal ministers," Putin said, underlining that the president will be legally obliged to appoint the candidates proposed. "In other words, he will not be able to reject the parliament-approved candidates to hold these official positions," he stressed.

Putin recalled that, in accordance with articles 111 and 112 of the Russian Constitution, the president currently needs to secure consent of the State Duma to nominate the prime minister and then later appoint the head of government, their deputies and all ministers. 

"Almost all factions represented in the State Duma [lower house — TASS], and you know that we meet with their leaders regularly, believe that the Federal Assembly is ready to assume more responsibility for forming government. Taking up greater responsibility for forming government means taking up greater responsibility for the policies pursued by this government. I agree with this statement, fully agree," Putin stressed.

The president also noted that Russian society is becoming "more mature, responsible and demanding." "Key political forces of the country, in spite of all differences existing between them in approaches to solving tasks they are facing, stand firmly for patriotic stance and represent the interests of their supporters and voters," he added.

"I believe that such proposals are justified, which will increase the role and importance of the national parliament, the role and importance of the State Duma and parliamentary parties, will boost independence and responsibility of the prime minister and all cabinet members, and make cooperation between representative and executive branches of power more efficient and substantial," he concluded.