Russia’s State Duma on Thursday was set to discuss the constitutional amendment bill submitted by President Vladimir Putin, a reform plan unlikely to meet any serious criticism in parliament. The bill is on the agenda to be debated in the first of three readings just a week after Putin’s call for reforms — followed in quick succession by the resignation of the government and the appointment of a new premier and cabinet. The breakneck speed of the changes have fuelled speculation about Putin’s plans, but the overwhelmingly Kremlin-loyal parliament is likely to fully back Putin on the proposed constitutional amendments before some form of a public vote on the issue.