This was broadcast live on state television.
Alexei Kudrin, who had occupied the top position in the Ministry of Finance since 2000, and is respected abroad as a prudent economist, publicly declined to serve under Mr Medvedev – citing differences over the handling of the economy – should the latter become prime minister as is the plan following the announcement that Vladimir Putin, the current premier, will run for president in next year’s presidential elections and, if successful, would appoint Mr Medvedev as his prime minister.
In a carefully orchestrated live meeting of government ministers, President Medvedev criticised Mr Kudrin, who was present, for having made his decision public without first having consulted with him. He said: “Nobody has revoked discipline and subordination. If, Alexei Leonidovich [Kudrin], you disagree with the course of the president, there is only one course of action and you know it: to resign. This is the proposal I make to you. You need to decide quickly what to do and give me an answer today.” Mr Kudrin then tendered his resignation shortly after the meeting.
The public spat between Mr Medvedev and Mr Kudrin has been portrayed in Western media as exposing the “divisions” within the Kremlin. However, the opaque world of Russian politics is historically known for putting on acts which are designed to prove to an outside audience things which only exist on paper – such as the right of politicians to criticise government policy freely.
