Who is Mikhail Mishustin, Russia's re-elected PM and Putin’s loyal aide?

Russian President Vladimir Putin, on Friday, proposed the reinstatement of Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, which the State Duma, the lower house of Russia’s parliament voted to approve the very same day.

Russia’s government resigned automatically after Putin’s inauguration on 7 May following his re-election, and he nominated  Mishustin, 58, to continue leading the cabinet, a position he has held since 2020 .

Despite this transition, there are no indications of significant changes in the government’s composition. Observers suggest that Putin’s priority may be to maintain stability amidst geopolitical tensions, particularly concerning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine , reported Deutsche Welle.

Who is Mikhail Mishustin?

We take a look at a few notable details about Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin:

• Aged 58, born on 3 March, 1966, Mishustin assumed office as head of government in January 2020, succeeding Dmitry Medvedev. Despite his prominence, Mishustin, like many Russian elites, has faced Western sanctions linked to the conflict in Ukraine.

• Notably, Mishustin lacks a background in security services, distinguishing him from the “siloviki” faction of intelligence veterans closely associated with Putin. Prior to his tenure as prime minister, he led the federal tax service, where he significantly increased revenues over a decade, reported Reuters.

• Mishustin’s tenure has been characterised by the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s conflict with Ukraine. He has been tasked with addressing vast logistical issues arising from these crises.

• In October 2022, Mishustin was appointed to head a new Coordination Council aimed at improving the supply chain for the armed forces and enhancing medical and logistical support. This initiative followed acknowledged deficiencies highlighted during a mobilisation effort involving 300,000 personnel.

• Known for his confident communication style, Mishustin frequently appears on television, engaging in discussions with Putin on government initiatives and deadlines.

• In his April 2024 parliamentary report, Mishustin highlighted the government’s success in navigating challenging economic conditions under Western sanctions and meeting targets set by Putin. Notably, he referenced Putin 67 times in the official excerpts of his speech.

Can Mishustin be seen as Putin’s heir?

Mishustin, viewed as a potential successor to Putin, could assume a significant role in future Kremlin power transitions. According to constitutional provisions, the Prime Minister is positioned as the first successor to temporarily assume the presidency in the event of the leader’s resignation, removal, or health-related incapacity.

Despite this constitutional position, Mishustin has maintained a low profile, refraining from making political statements and ignoring media engagements. This discretion likely contributes to his continued endorsement by Putin.

His anticipated reappointment underscores Putin’s appreciation for Mishustin’s competence and lack of political ambition, reported Metro.

Also Read: What is Chloropicrin, the chemical agent Russia has allegedly used in the Ukraine war?

Mishustin has demonstrated loyalty to Putin, notably during a critical juncture in June last year when he urged national support amid a crisis involving mercenaries in Ukraine .

Putin has also served as a Russian PM 

Although power within the Russian political framework is predominantly vested in the President, the Prime Minister holds a significant role in governmental management. The Prime Minister has the authority to determine governance priorities and delegate responsibilities among government members.

Putin’s own tenure reflects the interplay of power dynamics within the Russian political landscape. Between 2008 and 2012, Putin assumed the position of Prime Minister following two consecutive presidential terms, after which Dmitry Medvedev took over the post until 2020. Medvedev is currently the Deputy Chairman of the Security Council of the Russia,

This move was widely interpreted as a strategic maneuver to maintain influence, given the constitutional restriction on more than two consecutive presidential terms for any leader. Subsequently, Putin reclaimed the presidency in 2012.

Throughout Putin’s tenure, he has significantly consolidated his authority. In 2021, an amendment to the constitution drew criticism from international observers. While the amendment preserved the two-term limit for presidents, it effectively nullified the terms Putin had already served.

Also Read: Zelenskyy sacks head of Ukrainian state guard two days after foiled ‘Russian’ assassination plot

This amendment was viewed as a mechanism to potentially extend Putin’s presidency for two additional six-year terms, until 2036.

With inputs from agencies