Russia's PM resigns, Putin announces changes to stay in power

07:39 am on 16 January 2020

Listen

Russia's government has resigned and President Vladimir Putin has proposed sweeping constitutional changes that could prolong his stay in power in a series of unexpected moves in Moscow overnight.

The outgoing Prime Minister, Dmitry Medvedev made the announcement on state television, saying the President's proposals would significantly change Russia's balance of power.

Mr Putin later nominated tax service chief Mikhail Mishustin to replace Mr Medvedev as prime minister.

Our correspondent in Moscow Julia Chapman spoke to Logan Church.