Vladimir Putin reappoints Mikhail Mishustin as Russian PM: Who is he?

Since 2020, Mishustin has served as the PM and not particularly been in the spotlight. An Associated Press report described his public persona by saying: “The low-key technocrat has shown a distinct lack of political ambitions.” Here’s what we know about Mishustin, and the role that the Prime Minister plays in Russia.

Who is Mikhail Mishustin?

Mishustin’s biography on the Kremlin website states that right before his appointment as the PM in 2020, he headed the Federal Taxation Service of Russia. During his decade at the post, he reportedly doubled tax revenues, according to a DW report. Before the FTS, he headed other federal agencies on real estate and special economic zones.

He has also been credited with keeping the Russian economy stable amid the Covid-19 pandemic and following the war with Ukraine, which led to sanctions from Europe and the United States.

His background as a bureaucrat sets him apart from many other senior leaders in Putin’s government, and Putin himself, who were earlier part of the Russian intelligence agency KGB. Senior Russian leaders who have had a background in the intelligence establishment are termed ‘siloviks’ and believed to yield significant influence.

The PM post in Russia

While the Russian political setup mostly distributes power in favour of the President, the Prime Minister plays some role in managing the government. He can decide its priorities on governance and allocate duties among members of the government.

The PM is also the first in line to take over as acting president until new elections if the Kremlin leader resigns, or is removed from office or has to step aside for health reasons, Reuters reported.

Putin also served as the PM between 2008 and 2012, following two successive presidential terms. This was largely seen as a move to retain power, since the Russian Constitution prevented more than two consecutive presidential terms for any leader. He again assumed the President’s post in 2012.

Over the course of Putin’s terms in power, he has strengthened his grip considerably. In 2021, a constitutional amendment was criticised by international observers. While it retained the two-term limits for presidents, it would discount the terms Putin already served. This was seen as a means of allowing Putin to have two more six-year terms as president – until 2036.