Russian state news agencies, citing the Kremlin, reported Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin backed cabinet nominations that would give Finance Minister Anton Siluanov a second post as deputy prime minister, subject to parliamentary approval.
The nominations follow September’s election to the State Duma, Russia’s lower house of parliament. Reuters placed the proposals against a backdrop of budget pressure, tax increases and elevated interest rates as Russia seeks growth.
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin proposed the personnel changes. Under the plan, Siluanov would hold two posts: finance minister, a job he has held since 2011, and deputy prime minister. The plan would also move the sitting transport minister into a broader government role.
Nikitin would move from the Transport Ministry to a deputy premiership whose responsibilities include developing the transport sector. The proposed replacement at the Transport Ministry is the Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsiya) chief, Dmitry Yadrov.
Parliament must approve the appointments before the proposed changes take effect.
