President Putin expressed hope that legislative work would not be disrupted during the transfer of powers from the old line-up of the Federation Council to its new members.
The head of state said he wished members of Parliament would hold a constructive dialogue with their colleagues in the Government and the State Duma, because the results of the work of the upper house of Parliament and the process of passing highly important legislation, including the Labour and Land Codes, directly depended on this.
The President said there was every reason to believe that the Federation Council would be completely overhauled this year. Regional leaders found it hard to run their territories and make laws at the same time. The President stressed that the Federation Council reform was aimed at ensuring the separation of powers and improving the performance of Governors and members of Parliament.
Mr Putin said the new regulations for forming the upper house of Parliament fully complied with the Russian Constitution.