Mr Medvedev said in particular in his message:
“Over these years, the Federation Council has made an immense contribution to building Russia’s statehood and strengthening parliamentarianism in our country. It has helped to build genuine federalism and ensure the balance between national and regional interests.
The members of the Federation Council carry out important and extremely useful work to consolidate the efforts of lawmakers at all levels. This has colossal importance for enhancing our legal base and for the successful implementation of our long-term plans.
I am sure that the new procedures that have been proposed for the Federation Council’s formation will make its work considerably more effective for the good of our country, developing democracy and bringing greater prosperity to our citizens.”
The Federation Council is the upper house of the Federal Assembly – the Russian Federation’s parliament. It is made up of two representatives from each of the country’s regions: one from the region’s legislative branch and one from the executive branch.