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Shuvalov to supervise govt economic segment, Siluanov to be acting finance minister

“Naturally, both decisions have been coordinated with Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev. This is our common decision,” Putin said

MOSCOW, September 27 (Itar-Tass) —— Igor Shuvalov will supervise the economic segment of the national government instead of Alexei Kudrin, and Anton Siluanov will be the acting finance minister, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said at the Tuesday meeting of the government presidium.

“Naturally, both decisions have been coordinated with Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev. This is our common decision,” Putin said.

Putin demanded discipline in the government. “I ask you to fulfill your duties till the end of your office term and to ensure discipline and responsibility,” he told government members. “The country is entering into a rather difficult period,” Putin remarked.

Kudrin said earlier in the day that his decision to quit the government was conscious and refuted allegations that he might head the Right Cause Party.

“Bearing in mind the numerous comments on my resignation, I would like to clarify the following:

“My statement that I do not see myself in the Cabinet 2012 was conscious and thought-out.

“First. Decisions, which undoubtedly increased the risks to the budget fulfillment, were made through several months despite my objections, including those made in public. Budget risks, which are primarily related to excessive commitments in the defense sector and the social sphere, would have had an inevitable effect on the whole national economy. I discussed my wish to resign with the prime minister this February. The resignation was described as extremely undesirable back then, in particular because of the combination of budgetary and election processes this year. My participation in the prospective configuration of the Russian executive authorities was not discussed.

“Second. The power structure in this country was set for the long prospect on September 24. I also made my decision and explained it. Emotions have nothing to do with it.

“Third. The alleged possibility to lead Right Cause actually did not exist for me. I did not consider the prospect of my involvement in the artificial project, which actually discredited the liberal democratic idea.

“Fourth but not the last. I am grateful to everyone who support me now. I am also grateful to those who assisted me to the invaluable managerial, political and life experience in the past two years,” Kudrin said.