Russian Upper House Vetoes Putin's Bill to Strengthen PowerRussia's Federation Council, the upper chamber of the parliament, Friday repealed a bill, which entitles the head of state to sack regional governors and chairmen of legislative if they breach federal legislation.The bill, aimed to amend the draft law on "the general principles of organizing legislative (representative) and executive branches of state power in Russia's territories", was dismissed by a vote of 16 "for" and 83 senators "against" with nine abstentions. By law, at least 90 votes are required for the bill to be passed. The draft law on "the general principles of organizing legislative and executive branches of state power in Russia's territories", was initiated by Russian President Vladimir Putin to strengthen central power, and was endorsed by the State Duma, lower house of parliament,on June 30. The upper house proposed the State Duma create a conciliatory commission to overcome the dispute over the bill. |
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