Biden calls for abolition of presidential immunity in the US

Biden calls for abolition of presidential immunity in the US and warns of oligarchy threat

US President Joe Biden proposed abolishing immunity for heads of state, emphasising the need for constitutional amendments. 

In his farewell address from the Oval Office, he stated that presidential immunity contradicts democratic principles and could pose a threat to the rule of law.

Call for reform

Biden noted that presidential power should not be absolute. «Нам нужно внести изменения в Конституцию, чтобы ясно указать: ни один президент не должен обладать иммунитетом от преступлений, которые он или она совершает в период своего пребывания на посту. Президентская власть не безгранична, и её нельзя делать таковой» (We need to amend the Constitution to make it clear: no president should have immunity from crimes they commit while in office. Presidential power is not unlimited, and it cannot be made so), Biden emphasised.

Oligarchy threat

In addition, the American leader drew attention to the growing influence of the economic elite in the country. According to him, an oligarchy possessing “colossal wealth, power and influence” is forming in the US, which threatens the foundations of democracy. Biden warned that the concentration of resources and opportunities in the hands of a few could undermine democratic institutions and the country’s governance system.

Statement context

These remarks came against the backdrop of Biden preparing for the end of his presidential term. The call for reform and the warning about the oligarchy threat became a significant message concluding his political career. Experts view the statement as an attempt to set the direction for future political changes in the US.