Russia’s New Government

Everything is calm on the surface, but subtle shifts reveal Putin's plan for the future

Russian President Vladimir Putin takes the oath during an inauguration ceremony at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia May 7, 2018. Sputnik/Aleksey Nikolskyi/Kremlin via Reuters

Although Russia’s new Cabinet after the March election is not yet complete, interest in the story is already fading. Another term for Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev and a few new faces give the impression that the new government won’t do things differently. The Putin regime seems headed for a period of inertia and stagnation.

That view is understandable, but it is wrong. Below the surface, subtle personnel moves and shifting political roles are having a powerful influence on the ship of state.

Medvedev Reloaded?

Although he has held the job since 2012, the Prime Minister Medvedev of 2018 may well be a different man in a different role. Six years ago, Medvedev’s obedient step down from the presidency to the premiership was seen as a sign of weakness and servility.