Moscow, Sept 27: President Dmitry Medvedev on Monday sacked Vice Premier and Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin after an unusually public spat with the Russian head of state over a pact with Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to swap jobs after the Presidential elections in March.
“President has dismissed Kudrin in accordance with procedures, on the request of the Prime Minister,” Kremlin spokesperson Natalia Timakova was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies.
Earlier, in a major spat between the rival Kremlin and PMO teams, Medvedev had sought Kudrin resignation by tonight.Commenting on Saturday's decision announced at the ruling ‘United Russia' party congress by the ruling Medvedev-Putin tandem to swap jobs after Presidential elections in March, when Putin is expected to take up the Russian Presidency for the third term after a break of four years, Kudrin had declared that he will not work under Medvedev due to differences over policy issues, including high defence spendings.
Directly addressing Kudrin at a meeting in Volga region of Dmitrovgrad today, Medvedev demanded his resignation if he disagrees with the head of state.Responding to his demand, Kudrin said that before taking a decision he would consult with Putin.
“You may consult anyone, including the prime minister but I am the president so far and such decisions are taken by me and will continue be taken till May 7, 2012 (end of term),” Medvedev said.“You need to make your decision very quickly and give an answer by the end of this day,” Medvedev told Kudrin in his televised remarks. PTI
