FC forbids heads of Russian subjects to be called presidents

The Russian Federation Council (FC) has approved the ban for heads of Russian subjects to name them presidents. According to the bill, heads of regions may choose the names of their posts with account of historical and cultural traditions. In the republics of the Caucasus, presidents now exist in Adygea, Dagestan, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria and Karachay-Cherkessia.

Let us remind you that Ramzan Kadyrov, President of Chechnya, was the first to offer his regional parliament to change the name of his post. His initiative was supported by the head of North-Caucasian republics. Subsequently, the parliament of Chechnya passed a bill, according to which the region is now commanded by the Head of Republic, not President. On November 1, Kadyrov received a new ID of the top manager of a Russian entity, where his post was renamed.

The State Duma passed, at its sitting held on Tuesday, December 21, in the third and final reading the law, which prohibits regional leaders to be called presidents, the "Interfax" reports.

At the same time, regional leaders have pretty plenty of time - five years, till January 1, 2015 - for changing their constitutions and charters in accordance with new requirements, the RIA "Novosti" reports.