Russian legislators have granted their overwhelming approval of President Vladimir Putin’s nomination of Mikhail Mishustin to assume the prime minister role again. This move indicates a commitment to maintaining continuity and stability in the country, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.
Mishustin is recognized for his low-key demeanor and technocratic approach. He had previously stepped down alongside his cabinet after Putin’s fifth-term inauguration earlier in the week, as is required by Russia’s Constitution.
The State Duma, Russia’s lower house of parliament, voted 375-0 in favor of Mishustin’s reappointment, with only 57 members of the Communist Party abstaining from the vote. In his speech to lawmakers, Mishustin focused on domestic issues, such as welfare payments and military support, without directly addressing the conflict in Ukraine.
Following the approval, Mishustin is now tasked with selecting candidates for deputy positions and cabinet ministers, a process expected to take place early next week. Despite some dissent from the Communist Party, Mishustin’s reappointment was widely anticipated, with Putin endorsing his government’s performance amidst wartime challenges.
The swift approval process raised eyebrows, with consultations and interviews typically taking days but concluded within three hours on Friday. However, analysts viewed Mishustin’s return as virtually assured, given Putin’s endorsement and the government’s track record during wartime.
Mishustin’s previous appointment as prime minister in 2020 marked a shift in Russia’s economic strategy, with a focus on revitalizing the economy and enacting constitutional reforms that extended Putin’s tenure. Before his role as prime minister, Mishustin served as the head of the Federal Tax Service for nearly a decade, bringing extensive experience in financial matters to his new position.
As Mishustin assumes office, no major cabinet reshuffles are expected, according to state media reports. His reappointment underscores Putin’s confidence in his leadership and signals a commitment to maintaining stability amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.
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