Russian President Vladimir Putin, inaugurated on Tuesday for a fifth term, retained Mikhail Mishustin as head of his government on Friday May 10, after weeks of intense speculation about a possible reshuffle in Moscow.
Vladimir Putin must appoint or confirm his ministers, after his electoral victory in March in a presidential election devoid of any opposition.
“A lot has been done under difficult conditions and it seems to me that it would be good if we continue to work with you,” the president told his prime minister on Friday, according to a Kremlin account.
“I think we are on the right track,” he assured her, saying he had submitted his nomination to the Duma, the lower house of the Russian Parliament. Unsurprisingly, the latter then approved it.
Possible reshuffle
Mikhail Mishustin, former director of the Federal Tax Service, was appointed prime minister in 2020. He is seen as a technocrat who faithfully executes measures dictated by the Kremlin. “We will do everything in our power to develop our economy, to justify the confidence of our people,” he promised Vladimir Putin on Friday.
The names of the other ministers are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Observers are insistently raising the possibility that the Russian president will reshuffle his government, more than two years after the start of an offensive in Ukraine that has upended the Russian economy and society.
Vladimir Putin generally surrounds himself with allies whose allegiance is unquestionable, while ensuring that no senior official gains enough power or popularity to be seen as a rival or successor.
After nearly a quarter of a century in power, the Russian leader will remain in office until 2030, with the possibility of serving another term until 2036.