Article: Putin moves to increase his power.

New Russian President Vladimir Putin yesterday took a giant step toward imposing the Kremlin's will across his country's 11 time zones.

Russia's lower house of parliament yesterday gave overwhelming support to a trio of bills designed to enhance Mr. Putin's authority at the expense of the country's powerful regional governors.

In addition to revamping the membership of the upper house, the bills would allow Mr. Putin to dismiss elected governors accused of wrongdoing and give the governors the right to dismiss corrupt local officials.

"We need a strong, effective state, and the presidential bills are aimed at that," said Boris Gryzlov, ...

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