Russia: May 2008 Archives
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?
Today, Dmitry Medvedev officially became the President of Russia. Medvedev took the oath of office in the Kremlin’s Andreyevsky Hall and vowed to promote freedom and the rule of law. Medvedev also promised to combat corruption and enhance civil and economic liberties.
Following the inauguration, Medvedev accepted the government’s resignation and nominated Vladimir Putin for the office of Prime Minister. The nomination is expected to be approved by Parliament tomorrow.
Here is a 6 minute section of Medvedev’s acceptance speech:
As his last presidential act, Vladimir Putin also spoke at the ceremony, saying that he kept his promise to safeguard Russia’s interests, and called for support for the new President and the continuation of his policies.
“It is extremely important that we continue the course that has been taken and has justified itself, while prioritizing the interests of citizens ... Over the past eight years we have accomplished a breakthrough that enables us today to map out tasks and plans, not for the next month, but for 20-30 years ahead. We have set ambitious goals and I am absolutely confident that we can achieve them.”
Here is a 5 minute portion of Putin’s speech:
Following the inauguration, Medvedev accepted the government’s resignation and nominated Vladimir Putin for the office of Prime Minister. The nomination is expected to be approved by Parliament tomorrow.
Here is a 6 minute section of Medvedev’s acceptance speech:
As his last presidential act, Vladimir Putin also spoke at the ceremony, saying that he kept his promise to safeguard Russia’s interests, and called for support for the new President and the continuation of his policies.
“It is extremely important that we continue the course that has been taken and has justified itself, while prioritizing the interests of citizens ... Over the past eight years we have accomplished a breakthrough that enables us today to map out tasks and plans, not for the next month, but for 20-30 years ahead. We have set ambitious goals and I am absolutely confident that we can achieve them.”
Here is a 5 minute portion of Putin’s speech:
