No large economic policy changes expected from Russia's new cabinet

On May 18 president Vladimir Putin approved the new cabinet proposed by prime minister Medvedev, consisting of 10 deputy prime ministers and 22 ministers. There were few surprises in the cabinet reshuffle and even most of the ministers coming outside the cabinet have long careers in government administration.

Anton Siluanov was named as the first deputy prime minister responsible for e.g. economic matters, but continues as finance minister as well. There were no changes in the ministers for economic development, industry & trade and energy. Dmitri Patrushev, head of Rosselhozbank, was appointed as the agriculture minister. His father, Nikolai Patrushev, is secretary of the Security Council of Russia.

Numerous observers have characterised the new cabinet as conservative and technocratic, so hopes of major economic reforms are not very high. Alexei Kudrin, a father figure for reforms, did not make it to the cabinet but was named chairman of the Accounts Chamber of Russia.