Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed a new government on Tuesday, less than a week after he announced sweeping constitutional reforms and his longtime prime minister resigned. Putin, who said there was a "demand for change" in his announcements last week, kept on key allies including the foreign, defence and energy ministers.
But he replaced several officials in charge of social affairs, including the ministers of health, education, labour and economic development. Putin has said the government of new Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin should focus on boosting Russia's economy and improving living standards.
"I sincerely wish you success... it is in the interests of the entire country," Putin said during a televised meeting with the new cabinet.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu - both staunch Putin allies and key policy figures - held on to their positions, as well as the finance and energy ministers, Anton Siluanov and Alexander Novak. The government of Putin's longtime ally Dmitry Medvedev resigned last week, a few hours after the president announced the constitutional reforms.
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