Support for families with children and demography Vladimir Putin proposed to provide monthly payments for children aged 3 to 7 years inclusive. Families whose incomes do not exceed one living wage per person will be able to receive payments. Putin also proposed extending the maternity capital payment program (a one-time payment for the birth of a second child) until December 2026 and extending it already for the birth of the first child, as well as increasing the amount for the birth of the second by another 150,000 rubles (about $2,300). After this reform, families will be paid 460,000 rubles (about $7,150) for the birth of the first child, and 616,000 rubles (about $9,600) for the birth of the second. Putin also suggested that families with three children will have their mortgage repaid by the state for up to 450,000 rubles (about $7,000). According to Putin, such measures should help stimulate the growth of the birth rate in Russia. According to him, by 2024, the country should "not only get out of the demographic trap", but also ensure sustainable natural growth of the population, and the fertility rate should be 1.7.
Constitutional reform One of the key points of the message to the
Federal Assembly was the proposal to introduce a number of amendments to the Constitution that significantly change the balance of power. To introduce these amendments, Putin proposed holding a national referendum. One of the amendments will concern the formation of the Russian government. At the moment, the government is formed as follows: the president appoints the
prime minister after receiving the consent of the
State Duma, and then, at the suggestion of the Prime Minister, he appoints his Deputies and Federal Ministers. If the amendments are adopted, the state Duma will appoint the Prime Minister, the State Duma will also give consent to the appointment of Deputy Prime Ministers and Federal Ministers, and the President will not be able to refuse to appoint them. The next amendment will concern giving the
State Council an official status. At the time of address, the State Council is an advisory body and is not mentioned in the Constitution. Another amendment will tighten the requirements for presidential candidates. After the adoption of the amendment, only persons who have never previously had citizenship or a residence permit of another state, as well as have been permanent residents of Russia for at least 25 years, will be able to become president, instead of the current 10. Another amendment will oblige the president to consult with the
Federation Council when appointing heads of security services and regional prosecutors. The amendments will also give priority to the Constitution over international law. ==Aftermath==