Russian President Vladimir Putin is due to be sworn into office on May 7, with the government set to resign under the Russian constitution, according to Russian media.
Analysts expect Putin to use the change to shake up the government and make new appointments to deal with the ongoing militarisation of the Russian economy. It will also reportedly help oversee the implementation of the National Projects programme aimed at improving the quality of life.
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin’s government is expected to step down immediately after the inauguration. Most analysts believe he will remain in office as he is “proven to be a competent pair of hands.” Previously head of the tax service, Mishustin revolutionised Russian finances by introducing an IT system that increased tax revenues by 20% at a time when the tax burden increased by only 2%.
He also oversaw the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic. According to the Central Bank of Russia’s (CBR) latest macroeconomic review, the economy is doing well and is expected to grow at a higher-than-expected annualised rate of around 3.2% next year.
Putin nominated Mishustin as prime minister on January 15, 2020. At the time, many believed he was less effective, but he has accumulated a solid record and is relatively popular with voters.
The last Prime Minister, Dmitry Medvedev, who headed the government between 2012 and 2020, stayed in office longer than other candidates appointed by Putin before him, Viktor Zubkov and Mikhail Fradkov.
