Reappointment of Khloponin means success in office struggles – Mikheyev

Russian President Vladimir Putin approved the new government introduced by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev. Most vice premiers remain in office. The government had three quarters of members updated. Alexander Khloponin, Plenipotentiary Presidential Envoy to the North Caucasian Federal District, remains in office.

Sergey Mikheyev, Director General of the Center for Political Conjuncture, told Vestnik Kavkaza that no success in the North Caucasus could be noted under Khloponin’s authority. The envoy’s reappointment means the position is hard to achieve success in, he sad.

Victor Ishayev, Plenipotentiary Presidential Envoy to the Far East Federal District, has become the Minister for Development of the Far East.

Mikheyev clarified that each region has own specifics.

The North Caucasian Federal District was formed as part of the Southern Federal District in 2010. Former Governor of the Krasnodar Territory Khloponin became its supervisor. Khloponin’s initial plans were to form a positive investment climate, reduce infrastructure and administrative barriers.

The Northern Caucasus Resorts is the main project of the region. Caisse des Depots et Consignations (France) and the Russian government signed an agreement to form the Northern Caucasus Resorts State Company in February. Over €1 billion will be invested. 51% of the capital will be Russian, 49% French.

Khloponin discussed realization of the socio-economic program of the region. He said that work on the program was done. The ministries need to approve budgets for all spheres of the program until May 1.