2024 RT Amination Banner.gif

China Daily

News> World> Content
Thursday, February 20, 2020, 18:13
Putin says Medvedev had been aware of reshuffle plans
By Xinhua
Thursday, February 20, 2020, 18:13 By Xinhua

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a ceremony to receive credentials from newly appointed foreign ambassadors to Russia at the Kremlin in Moscow on Feb 5, 2020. (ALEXEY NIKOLSKY / SPUTNIK / AFP)

MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin has unveiled details of the January government reshuffle, the TASS news agency reported Thursday.

Putin had discussed the resignation of the government with then Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in advance, he was quoted as saying in a multiple-episode report entitled "20 Questions with Vladimir Putin."

Putin spoke of his open and sound relations with Medvedev for many years, ruling out the speculation that the cabinet resignation was a "special operation."

Putin spoke of his open and sound relations with Medvedev for many years, ruling out the speculation that the cabinet resignation was a "special operation."

As to whether the reshuffle has created an impression of hastiness, Putin said that each step had been discussed and thought through in advance and a gap in power would plunge the country into a mess.

READ MORE: Putin speeds up political shake-up, details new power center

He added that the new position of Medvedev as deputy chairman of Russia's Security Council is not equal to vice president of the nation, although Putin himself serves as chairman of the Security Council.

Putin said that he listened to the views of new Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin when forming the cabinet, and that qualification is the main criterion for selecting candidates for ministerial posts.

ALSO READ: Ifax: Russian lawmakers back Putin's reforms in first vote

Some officials from the president's office have entered the new cabinet because it is logical to leave the implementation of national projects at the government level to those who have prepared for it in the Kremlin, Putin said.

Medvedev and his entire government resigned on Jan. 15 and a day later, Putin appointed Mishustin, the former head of the Russian Federal Tax Service, as new prime minister and Medvedev as deputy chairman of the Security Council. 

Share this story

CHINA DAILY
HONG KONG NEWS
OPEN
Please click in the upper right corner to open it in your browser !