Russian government asks for additional powers to deal with COVID-19

The Russian government has submitted to the State Duma, or the lower house of parliament, a bill granting the cabinet additional powers, including declaring a state of emergency for the entire country, to deal with COVID-19.

"The adoption of the bill will protect public health and non-proliferation of the new COVID-19 coronavirus infection on the Russian territory, support and ensure legitimate interests of businesses and other economic activities," said an explanatory note to the bill published on the Duma website on Thursday.

The bill will give the Russian government additional powers to take relevant decisions during 2020 and to promptly adopt measures to optimize the activities of the federal executive bodies, it said.

The Committee on Security and Corruption Control said in a statement on Thursday it will recommend the Duma hold the first reading of the bill on March 31.

The bill has to be passed by the Duma in three readings, then be endorsed by the Federation Council, or the upper house of parliament, before being signed into law by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)