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Kudrin to be needed in new power structure -- Putin

According to the prime minister, Kudrin, who left the government in September, has not gone from the team anywhere

MOSCOW, December 15 (Itar-Tass) — There certainly will be a place for former finance minister Alexei Kudrin in the new state power structure after the presidential election, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said, answering questions of citizens in his annual televised call-in question-and-answer session.

"Yes, we have some disagreements, but on the whole, in principle, such people as Kudrin think globally, strategically and look at the future. Such people, of course, are needed in the current government and in the future," the premier believes.

"Will a place be found in the ranks?" Putin was asked. "It will be found," he answered.

According to the prime minister, Kudrin, who left the government in September, has not gone from the team anywhere.

"He is my very-long-time close comrade. I say he is my friend," Putin said. The premier added he met with the former minister the other day and discussed with him the economic situation.

"He did very much to strengthen the country's economy,” the premier noted, recalling that international experts twice declared him the world's best finance minister.

"I am proud that such a person worked in my government," Putin noted.