This news from Russia: President Vladimir Putin has announced plans for a “radically restructured” political system that would bolster his power by ending the popular election of governors and independent lawmakers.

Putin said the moves are needed to “strengthen the unity of the country” in response to the recent terrorist attacks. Also, members of the lower house of parliament, the Duma, would be picked from party lists rather than elected directly.

A former Russian parliamentary leader told the Washington Post “It’s the beginning of a constitutional coup d’etat. It’s a step toward dictatorship.”