Key Facts
- The plenary session took place on December 24.
- It was the first presidential visit to the Federation Council since 2012.
- The event marked the 25th anniversary of the upper house reform.
- The reform replaced governors and speakers with delegated representatives.
- The President promised to continue strengthening federalism institutions.
Quick Summary
On December 24, 2025, the Federation Council held its final plenary session of the autumn session. The event proved to be a landmark occasion for the upper house. For the first time since 2012, President Vladimir Putin visited the Senate building. The primary purpose of the visit was to mark the 25th anniversary of a significant structural reform. This reform fundamentally altered the composition of the upper house of parliament.
During the session, the President addressed the senators. He spoke about the historical importance of the changes implemented over the last quarter-century. Additionally, he outlined future goals regarding the country's political structure. Specifically, Vladimir Putin promised to continue strengthening the institutions of federalism. The session highlighted the ongoing evolution of the Senate's role within the Russian political system.
Landmark Session and Presidential Visit
The plenary session on December 24 was distinct from routine meetings. It marked the conclusion of the autumn session, but it also carried significant ceremonial weight. The presence of the President underscored the importance of the date. It was the first time in over a decade that the head of state physically visited the building on Bolshaya Dmitrovka. This absence highlights the rarity of such visits.
The gathering brought together members of the upper house to discuss the institution's history. The focus was on the 25-year anniversary of the reform that established the current system. The session served as a platform to reflect on the changes that have shaped the Senate since the early 2000s. The attendance of the President signaled high-level recognition of the Council's work during this period.
The 25-Year Reform of the Upper House
The core topic of the address was the anniversary of the reform that reshaped the upper house. Two and a half decades ago, a decision was made to alter how the Senate is composed. Prior to this change, the Federation Council was populated by governors and speakers of regional legislative assemblies. These officials held seats by virtue of their elected regional offices. They physically worked in the building on Bolshaya Dmitrovka.
The reform introduced a new system of delegated representatives. Under this system, regional leaders no longer sit in the Senate directly. Instead, they delegate representatives to act on behalf of their regions. This structural shift separated the executive powers of the regions from the legislative functions of the federal upper house. The President's speech acknowledged this transition as a defining moment in the country's political history.
Commitment to Federalism 🏛️
Following the historical overview, the President turned to the future. In his address to the senators, Vladimir Putin made a specific commitment regarding the state's structure. He stated the intention to continue strengthening the institutions of federalism. This pledge connects the past reforms with future governance strategies. It suggests a continued focus on the balance between regional and federal authority.
The promise to bolster federalism was the central takeaway for the political audience. It reinforces the role of the Federation Council as a key body in representing regional interests at the federal level. By emphasizing this commitment, the President highlighted the ongoing relevance of the upper house. The speech confirmed that the principles established by the reform remain a priority for the administration.
Conclusion
The December 24 plenary session will likely be remembered as a significant event in the history of the Federation Council. The convergence of the 25-year anniversary of the reform and the President's first visit since 2012 created a historic atmosphere. The event served to validate the current structure of the upper house.
By commemorating the shift from regional leaders to delegated representatives, the session emphasized stability and continuity. The President's promise to strengthen federalism ensures that the Council remains a vital component of the political landscape. As the autumn session concludes, the upper house looks toward the future with a clear mandate to uphold the reforms of the past quarter-century.
