The ‘splinter-series’ provides brief remarks on ongoing events, whereas blog entries are in-depth analyses:
The Russian Constitution has been violated: The Constitution demands an anointed Head of Government to present the line-up of his ministerial team no later than 7 days after his approval by the State Duma. Zubkov has failed to deliver. This is significant not for ignoring a constitutional provision but indicative of serious infights between the two camps within the presidential team on who controls which ministry.
it is surprising how long it takes Putin to set up a new government. One would have expected that the appointment of a new prime minister was very well planned with a particular line up of ministries already in mind. So either Putin does not get his people through or the change in the prime ministers office was either poorly planned or was rather ’spontaneous’. Then, however, the questions is: why?
Anyway, the very fact that Putin so far has not been able to settle this wrangling and announce his government line-up is indicative of the very fact, that Putin is not that powerful as western observers usually assume.
Picture taken from:
http://www.doktoranden-netz.de/Idee.GIF
Nevertheless, what I find interesting, is that the abscence of the set government in Russia does not seem to cause economical problems. There was no lack of desire to invest to Russia at the international investment forum in Sochi. They say, about 23 bln $ are forseen as a result of this forum. I guess, I would agree with Gref on this – it pretty much does not matter who is the prime-minister, etc… as long as Putin is there – the country is stable enough to attract such plans….at least so far and at least for the outsiders…
I do not consider that as an indicator for the irrelevance of the current crisis in government formation. Overall, of course, the framework is positive for foreign and domestic investors and I do not see any imminent change in this regard.
Still it is surprising how long it takes Putin to set up a new government. One would have expected that the appointment of a new prime minister was very well planned with a particular line up of ministries already in mind. So either Putin does not get his people through or the change in the prime ministers office was either poorly planned or was rather ‘spontaneous’. Then, however, the questions is: why?
No, no, I take your notion on how long it the formation of a new government lasts as a very precise one. The things, are not so easy-staged-manipulated, as seems/presented.
Even if the change was not sponteneous – it is clearly problematic to come to agreement how to build a new group.
Still, I wonder – does it matter whether the "1 week limit" is violated? (other than it being an indication of internal battles, lack of clarity – whatever it is…)Would there be objections, etc… And does it matter who is in the next government? Could it be viewed as just technical? It would not if it was indeed a prepartion for the next step.
Nevertheless, the abscence of negative impacts on economics, which often happens in such situations (not necessarily in Russia) is noteworthy.