President Vladimir Putin has nominated acting Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin for reappointment, with Russian lawmakers expected to approve his candidacy as Moscow continues its full-scale war against Ukraine. Mishustin, a low-profile technocrat who has managed Russia’s economy through Western sanctions and wartime challenges, resigned and dissolved his cabinet as required by the Constitution after Putin’s fifth term inauguration on Tuesday. State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin announced Mishustin’s nomination, indicating a signal of continuity in leadership.
Mishustin met with members of the five parties in parliament on Friday, with senior lawmakers endorsing his reappointment. However, the Communist Party announced they would abstain from voting, expressing disappointment in the government’s progress. Telegram channels shared Mishustin’s tight schedule of short meetings with parliamentary parties, suggesting a swift process for a prime minister candidate. State Duma lawmakers plan to question Mishustin on key issues like demographics, technological sovereignty, and defense capability, with analysts viewing his reappointment as likely due to Putin signaling approval of his government’s policies.
In a pre-recorded meeting aired on state television, Putin expressed hope that Mishustin could convince deputies about his nominees for deputies and federal ministers. Mishustin assured Putin there would be continuity in government work without any pause. Mishustin was appointed in 2020 to replace Dmitry Medvedev, part of Putin’s efforts to revive Russia’s economy and amend its Constitution to allow him to remain in power until 2036. Mishustin’s background includes serving as head of the Federal Tax Service for nearly a decade and as a member of the Presidential Council for Financial Market Development from 2011 to 2018.
Once appointed, Mishustin is expected to propose a cabinet of ministers for approval, with no major reshuffles rumored according to state media reports. Despite challenges faced by independent news sources like The Moscow Times, Mishustin’s reappointment indicates a continued focus on governance and policy in Russia amidst ongoing conflicts and government changes. Putin’s nomination of Mishustin is seen as a move towards stability and continuity in leadership, with his track record in managing Russia’s economic challenges seen as a key factor in his reappointment. Overall, Mishustin’s nomination represents a strategic choice for Putin to maintain control and navigate the complexities facing Russia in the current political climate.
