Surkov is not returning to Kremlin – experts

Yevgeny Minchenko, Director of the International Institute for Political Expertise, has commented on rumours about appointment of ex-Vice Prime Minister Vladislav Surkov as Russian presidential assistant for innovations, Plenipotentiary Presidential Envoy to the North Caucasus, Minister for the Far East or Rosnano-Skolkovo. He expressed suspicion that there rumours did not appear without a reason.

The expert said that regardless of the post Surkov takes, he will not return to interior politics.

Sergey Markov, Director of the Institute for Political Studies, noted that rumours about the appointments may not live up to expectations. He explained that Surkov had great experience in political projects and pushing him out of the system towards competitors would be irrational.

Markov added that Surkov was not offended by the harsh talk with the president. In an interview with Kolesnikov, Surkov expressed respect and support for the government and negative attitude towards the opposition. The expert believes that Surkov will be valued as a high-ranking official, but has little chances to return to the Kremlin.