Regional governor dismissals centralise Russian power

Outlook

President Vladimir Putin has launched a new round of dismissals of regional governors. Five have been replaced since September 25 with more likely to follow. They will remain interim leaders until they are confirmed in September 2018 elections.

The Kremlin line is that a new generation of younger, dynamic and effective managers is rising. However, the key quality seems to be the capacity to carry out Kremlin orders, often demonstrated in a career in central rather than regional government. Local knowledge and connections are diminishing in importance, strengthening the impression of a hierarchy answerable to Moscow.

Impacts

• Putin’s pre-selection of governors makes the annual regional election cycle a rubber-stamp event.
• An early reshuffle gives time for regional leaders to settle in and prepare to get out the vote in the March 2018 presidential election.
• Caught between Moscow and the local population, governors will be blamed by both for all problems, including some beyond their control.
• Luckier governors get to run net donor regions rather than those dependent on central state assistance.