MOSCOW (AP) — Responding to a series of deadly terror
attacks, President Vladimir Putin yesterday moved to significantly
strengthen the Kremlin’s grip on power, with new measures
that include the naming of regional governors and an overhaul of
the electoral system.

Putin told Cabinet members and security officials convened in
special session that the future of Russia was at stake and urged
the creation of a central, powerful anti-terror agency.

“The organizers and perpetrators of the terror attack are
aiming at the disintegration of the state, the breakup of
Russia,” he said. “We need a single organization
capable of not only dealing with terror attacks but also working to
avert them, destroy criminals in their hideouts, and if necessary,
abroad.”

Putin’s declaration followed a series of stunning terror
attacks blamed on Chechen rebels, climaxing in the three-day school
seizure in southern Russia in which more than 330 people were
killed.

He said he would propose legislation abolishing the election of
local governors by popular vote. Instead, they would be nominated
by the president and confirmed by local legislatures.

Putin explained his move by the need to streamline and
strengthen the executive branch to make it more capable of
combating terror.

His critics immediately assailed the proposal as a
self-destructive effort that could fuel dissent in the
provinces.

“The abolition of elections in the Russian regions deals a
blow to the foundations of Russian federalism and means the return
to the extremely inefficient system of government,” said
Sergei Mitrokhin, a leading member of the liberal Yabloko
party.

Sergei Markov, a political analyst with close ties to the
Kremlin, said the president’s move against the governors
could help curb corruption that has flourished in some regions.

“At the same time, it means … a lowering of (their)
general political authority and a serious lowering of political
pluralism,” Markov told Ekho Moskvy radio.

Putin recommended eliminating the individual races that
currently fill half of the seats in the national parliament and
have the entire lower house filled by parties on a proportional
basis.

Putin said that the move would help foster dialogue by expanding
the clout of political parties, but his opponents warned it would
further increase the clout of the Kremlin-controlled parliament
factions that already enjoy an overwhelming majority in the lower
house, the State Duma.

Vladimir Ryzhkov, one of the few opposition deputies, scorned
the president’s political proposals and said if they were
approved, “the next Duma will be simply virtual, it will
consist of just marionette party lists and won’t enjoy any
authority.”

“How is it possible the president doesn’t understand
that it won’t strengthen the country, it will further tear
apart the unity of the country and tear federal organs power away
from the people?” he told Ekho Moskvy radio. “Yes, the
Kremlin’s authority will be strengthened, but the country
will be weakened.”

Putin has been criticized for boosting his own powers in the
past, but three weeks of violence and the deaths of 430 people have
led to increased support among the Russian people for measures to
combat terrorism. Putin named one of his closest confidants,
Cabinet chief of staff Dmitry Kozak, to represent him in the
southern district that includes the Caucasus.

Putin said official corruption that had helped terrorists should
be punished with particular severity.

He also signaled a possible government crackdown on Islamic
groups, proposing that extremist organizations serving as a cover
for terrorists should be outlawed.

A new structure called the Public Chamber would strengthen
public oversight of the government and the actions of law
enforcement agencies, he said. The chamber would involve
non-governmental organizations and other groups in the fight
against terror.

Putin said that terrorism is rooted in the North Caucasus’
low living standards, in widespread unemployment, and in poor
education.

“This is a rich, fertile ground for the growth of
extremist propaganda and the recruitment of new supporters of
terror,” Putin said. “The North Caucasus is a key
strategic region for Russia. It is a victim of terrorism and also a
springboard for it.”