Putin Continues to Lead Russia

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is meeting today with French President, Nicolas Sarkozy to discuss European Union (EU) trade negotiations. In the past, G8 leaders only dealt with Russia at the presidential level. This seems to acknowledge that Putin remains the focus of power in Russia, not President Dmitry Medvedev.

Under Russia's Constitution, the President is responsible for setting foreign and domestic policy, while the Prime Minister is in charge of implementing presidential policies. Putin seems to have shifted the balance of power, taking the lead in setting the country's policy agenda. Putin appointees continue to dominate senior government positions, including the presidential staff. Only two of Medvedev's close allies hold senior positions - Konstantin Chuichenko is an aide and Alexander Konovalov is Justice Minister.

Putin has increased his policy-making authority by consulting with an inner circle of ministers instead of holding weekly Cabinet sessions. This group, called the presidium, includes the ministers of defense and interior and foreign affairs. Under the Constitution, these ministers are supposed to report directly to the President.

Since taking office, Medvedev's role has mostly been reiterating existing policy. It seems clear that Putin is still in control of the country. As President, Medvedev may not be acting as Putin's "puppet," but he has yet to exert any influence on Russian policy either. To be fair, Medvedev has only been in power for three weeks and is still getting acclimated to his new office. It will be interesting to see how Medvedev works with the government in the coming months. Will he begin setting policy on his own, or will he simply allow his mentor to continue with the status quo?