In a move that underscores continuity and stability within the Russian government, President Vladimir Putin reappointed Mikhail Mishustin as the nation's prime minister on Friday. This decision came as no surprise, as Mishustin, a technocrat known for his low-profile political stance, has been pivotal in maintaining Russia's economic stability amid severe Western sanctions linked to the Ukraine conflict.
Mishustin, 58, who has successfully steered Russia away from economic turmoil over the past four years, submitted his Cabinet's resignation earlier this week, following protocol after Putin inaugurated his fifth presidential term with a lavish ceremony at the Kremlin.
The reappointment reflects Putin's confidence in Mishustin, who previously led Russia’s tax service and has notably avoided the limelight by steering clear of political declarations and limiting media interactions. The announcement was made by Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the parliament’s lower house, signaling that Mishustin's candidacy would later be validated by the State Duma in a session scheduled for the same day.
While this procedure nominally increases the parliament's influence in government formation, it is generally viewed as a formality, reflecting the Kremlin's enduring control over the legislative body.
Shoigu's Uncertain Future
The continuity theme extends to most Cabinet members who are expected to retain their positions.
However, speculation surrounds Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, whose future remains uncertain following the recent arrest of his close associate, Timur Ivanov, on bribery charges. Ivanov, the deputy defense minister responsible for extensive military infrastructure projects, now faces a judicial inquiry.
Many perceive this arrest as a direct challenge to Shoigu, potentially preluding his dismissal. The speculation is fueled by the criticism Shoigu faced over the Russian military’s initial setbacks in Ukraine and scathing attacks from Yevgeny Prigozhin, a mercenary leader who dramatically called for Shoigu's removal nearly a year ago.
Despite surviving a potential fallout after Prigozhin’s suspicious death in a plane crash - an incident many attribute to the Kremlin's retributive measures - Shoigu's position seems increasingly precarious. Ivanov's detention not only casts a shadow over his direct superior but also signals ongoing political maneuvering within the Kremlin's corridors, marking a period of heightened scrutiny and potential realignment within the Russian defense hierarchy.
As the Duma convenes to confirm Mishustin's reappointment, the broader implications for Russia's political and economic landscape continue to draw attention, with key figures like Shoigu facing uncertain futures in a regime that balances public stability with intense internal politics.