Just a quick note here (since I am inundated by emails about this): there is no way I can put a positive spin on the fact that Putin has re-nominated Medvedev as Prime Minister. I am personally bitterly disappointed and so are many others. A comment I just saw on the YouTube chat of the inauguration was succinct and to the point: “Путин кинул народ – мы не за Медведева голосовали” or “Putin betrayed the people – we did not vote for Medvedev”. This is going to be a very widely shared feeling, I am afraid.
Now, there are a number of explanations for this development including that Medvedev is an effective manager, that he has been weakened by the corruption scandals in Dagestan, that the new task-centered management doctrine of the Russian government makes personalities less important, etc.
Frankly, I don’t buy any of them. First and foremost, the re-nomination of Medvedev is a hugely important symbolic act which says the following: there will NOT be a purge of the Atlantic-Integrationist IMF/WTO/WB type, of the 5th columnist inside the Kremlin and that the (very unpopular) “economic block” of the Russian government will stay in power. In fact, this re-nomination will only pour more fuel on the fire of rumors saying that Putin/Russia will “cave in” in Syria or the Donbass or that the internal economic course will continue to remain what is politely known as “liberalism”. The devil is always in the details, but I have to say that seeing Medvedev re-nominated is, at the very least, a PR-disaster. If that is how Putin begins his term, it scares me to think of what might come next (Kudrin? Chubais?)…
At this point in time, I am NOT saying that this will happen. But we are all aware of the alarmist rumors circulating all over the Internet about this for many days now and what I am saying is that this re-nomination will only strengthen these rumors. Such rumors are, I believe, very dangerous because I think that one of the techniques most effectively used by Putin’s enemies it not to criticize him directly but, instead, of accusing him of showing weakness and lack of resolve. Do you remember how some pseudo-patriots accused Russia of “disarming Syria” when the Russians stopped the planned US attack and removed the (totally useless) chemical weapons the Syrians had? Or how many times we have been told that Russia will “sell out” the Donbass? Or how Russia “was allowing” Israel bomb Syria (here is my reply to this thesis: https://www.unz.com/tsaker/
But with this re-nomination of Medvedev Putin himself has given a lot of credence to these rumors! Why would he do that? Could it be that he had no other choice? One thing is sure: he cannot be unaware of the fact that Medvedev is unpopular and that most Russians hoped to see a new face. Yet Putin ignored this public sentiment. That is a very worrying sign, in my opinion.
Nonethless, I suggest that we wait for a few days to see who the new (old?) ministers will be. If, as some rumors are suggesting it, Shoigu and Rogozin are out – then this will only further fuel the current panic. As for the appointment of Mutko to deputy prime minister overseeing construction, it sounds like a bad joke.
I personally don’t want to make any forecasts (I am not a prophet), but I do have to admit that things look pretty bleak right now.
The next 24 hours should bring some clarity to what is really talking place.
But yeah, things look pretty bleak to me.
The Saker
from Cynthia McKinney’s Facebook page – her quote –
I agree with @The Saker on Medvedev who handed Libya over to the Israel-firsters on a silver platter. That should never be forgotten that Libya happened under Medvedev’s watch.
/medvedev-re-nomination-this-does-not-look-good/
Essentially it just means Putin is sticking to his existing team. Same faces, same policies. However . . .
It is rather ironic, to say the least, that at the May 9th anniversary parade commemorating the victory over German fascism Putin stood shoulder to shoulder not with his comrades in arms in the war against US sponsored terrorism, the Presidents of Syria and Iran, but with Netanyahoo, a notorious war criminal heading a racist settler state which has invaded all its neighbors and is conducting a vicious ethnic cleansing reminiscent of Nazi Germany’s genocide in Eastern Europe and Russia. With Israel literally shooting missiles at the Syrian and Iranian army positions even as the parade rattled through Red Square it rather reminded me of Nixon and Bhreznev toasting each other with champagne in the Kremlin as US bombs were falling on Hanoi.
Although the situation in Syria is much more complex than Vietnam with many double dealing players like Erdogan in the mix, Rouhani and Assad must surely wonder why Netanyahoo was invited (maybe because Hitler wasn’t available?) and they, Putin’s ostensible allies, were not.
The word “Janus” comes to mind with a two-headed bird of prey as a national emblem/symbol.
I watch the event and noted Netanyahu’s tone and demeanor compared to his Reality TV Show in US/DC with co-host and principal puppet, D. Trump.
Otherwise, it was only a short segment back view as he walking away from the final flower laying routine that offered 3-4 seconds of an interesting waddle.
I have been thinking about the Parade, as well. It was glorious, as always!
The only awkward thing was the presence of the most unlikely politician at the side of Mr Putin.
For a few moments, I thought that netnyahoo was going to be left behind. But, he was obstinate and showy – he wanted to be at the side of Mr Putin. I think that he could have been less incisive…
Whose picture was netnyahoo carrying at the ‘Immortal Regiment’ march?
The only explanation I can think is that the whole embarrassing netnyahoo attendance in the V-Day Parade worked like a well-thought PR show for Russia, something from which to get a political gain.
The sakers writings are awesome but is it possible that Putins immediate support of Dimitry Medvedev when he go the top job has sorted of busted the sakers narrative around Atlanticist vs Putins crowd?
Is this true? If it is, what to make out of that?
https://www.fort-russ.com/2018/05/breaking-israel-brazenly-bombs-syria-video/
:-(
Sorry, but “Victory Day” parade makes me feel sick. What victory? 20 millions of dead, and the countries that invaded the USSR are still belonging to the axis of Russia’s enemies. US had no civilian casualties and both their WW2 allies and enemies are now their faithful puppets. This is victory.
Russian weapons are ineffective for one simple reason: they are not used. Western weapons have plenty of chances for tuning. Russia, except from some duly use against troglodyte terrorists, keeps them mothballed waiting for the real enemy attacks, and I’m not sure it would use them in this case either.
Saker, you can say everything you want about Putin’s chess player wise caution. But you cannot play chess with a brute. Restraint is not a viable chance against Anglozionists: they will hit Russia and its allies anyway. Striking first, harder than they expect and where they don’t expect is the only way to deal with them: waiting for they attack first (and they always attack first) leads to defeat.
I also was for weeks expecting to watch a great parade today, Russians showing their pride and accomplishments in the fight against fascism. Then I saw Netanyahu and my jaw fell to the floor with a big noise. Actually I had to see closely and check it because I couldn’t believe my eyes. My first thought: “these guys really own the world, they do whatever they fancy, no consequences”.
Am I dizzy and drunk, or it is Bibi aside Putin in Victory Day Parade?
What F*cking hell is going on???
Vladimir Putin inviting Bibi Yetanyahoo to be at his side at the Victory Day parade was the equivalent of inviting a big steaming pile of dog turd to be the Best Man at your wedding.
Really embarrassing.
As the Americans would say, it was terrible optics.
True. It also showed that it is Putin who moves Netanyahu about, while Netanyahu proved he is bossing Trump. Can you imagine Trump inviting Netanyahu to a show of US strength? It would be all about Netanyahu with Trump as a sidekick, so that is not going to happen. Putin is simply doing what he does best, politics. And while Netanyahu is in Moscow Putin prepares for Russia to dump the US Petrodollar, the life blood of Israel.
Also, Netanyahu in Moscow on such a significant day is Putin’s message to the pro-Russian part of Israel’s political landscape. Netanyahu will not be PM forever. Russia is growing, while the US is diminishing.
At the parade, Mr Putin, respected by all, was serene, as the great leader he is.
As to netnyahoo, you could feel his impatience… Although he may fancy himself as a special guest, I could see a man that was desperately trying to disguise how lost he was; a man frustrated because he did not have anybody to talk to (he tried to communicate several times, probably with his translator!); and (to be honest), a man who was out of his place, yielding to Mr Putin and Russia’s power. He behaved like a child who wanted to receive special treatment. I could almost visualize netnyahoo liking Mr Putin’s shoes…
Frankly, while I’ve always had massive respect for Putin’s foreign policy both broadly and in terms of his specific decisions and tactics, I’ve always been somewhat underwhelmed by his domestic and economic policy. Not that he’s terrible, or even bad, but economically he’s somewhat like a competent managerial politician in, say, Germany or Britain or Canada–decent policies, energetic administration, effective management, but all basically within the failed neoliberal economic consensus which it never seems to occur to him is a stick his enemies use to beat countries like his. In the medium term it leaves him fighting with one hand behind his back and is also not good for the people of Russia.
This is just another example.
Seeing Bibi sitting on the left side of Putin on the Parade day was also a very bad sign. It was clear already that the US, UK, France and Germany are managed by Bibi’s friends but seeing Bibi so close to Putin seems to tell me that Puting is giving in. His face is defeated.
Putin was telling us that Russia was in Syria to fight the terrorists before they invade the motherland. True, Russia has been effective in preventing the terrorists to succeed in getting rid of Assad but actually Russia has fought the foot soldiers but not theirs sponsors the US, Israel and KSA.
It looks like that the Empire of chaos is winning the game and that Russia is going to let them fix the Middle-East crisis by getting rid of Assad, the Hezbollah and Iran.
For me, when Nasrallah and Khamenei are telling that they are fighting the Devil and that no deal can me made with the Devil without being corrupted, they are right and this is something that Putin cannot understand. He is among those people too clever to still have some faith !
We could have hoped that Russia and Saint George would kill the Beast but no more Putin is not Saint-George.
The Empire of Chaos is going to win and the goyim will be reduced to slavery
Maybe he wanted to continue with a harmless and marginalized PM.
please watch these Putin’s speech to the Douma about his reasons to appoint Medvedev.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fewBzLOSeNM
Keep your friend close and your enemies closer comes to mind. Medvedev represents forces that help keep an equilibrium in Russia that is critical.
This keeps the lunatic fringe from both sides balanced and at peace so nice they still have hope of power. But Putin will always ensure that those supporting him now will always be a little bit stronger and their leader to succeed him.
The balance is a little bit like Lebanon but without the decisive destabilising change in the demographics.
It also helps to minimise chances of assassination attempts against himself since both sides have reasonable hopes of succeeding to the presidency.
In other words, Putin has opted for long term political stability.
But he has yet to identify someone with as much political skills as himself who can sustain the balance. Perhaps he is already identified but for political purposes, is kept in the background.
Who knows, Medvedev may be that someone.
The next 24 hours should bring some clarity to what is really talking place.
But yeah, things look pretty bleak to me.
We have seen the next 24 hours and it looks even bleaker.
Dead people and destroyed infrastructure
These people put their trust in Russia.
Looks bleaker by the minute.
Re: “Putin betrayed the people…” – a rather strange sentiment. Medvedev was Putin’s PM for the last 6 years, how is continuing what’s already been in place a betrayal?! Did Putin ever hint at changing the PM?! Not that I heard of.
As The Saker himself said a number of times, past behaviour is the best indicator of what the future behaviour would be. I am therefore puzzled at statements like “we didn’t vote for Medvedev” – what were these expectations based on?!
… past behaviour is the best indicator of what the future behaviour would be.
All people should be careful with generalizations. This way of thinking led software companies to develop “pre-crime” programs or enables financial industries to block loans, because … past behavior indicates what future behavior would be. You cannot extrapolate human behavior. The best someone can do is to guess. The probability may be higher that people will follow paths they already know, but that’s still just a guess. People can change.
By “nominating Mendvedev” Putin is playing to divide Europe, which is very frustrated with Trump policies, from the US. Mendvelev is more of a “European integrationist” than a “across the Atlantic (US and Britain) integrationists.
Came to this late! Intrigued by this rant about Bibi being alongside Putin! Remember this is about Jewish and Serbian (Vucic was on the right side of Putin) people who, alongside the Russian, bore the brunt of Nazi madness. Leaders come and go but this gesture is a recognition of people’s sacrifice. Absolutely correct gesture and vintage Putin. Also Medvedev is great choice. He is a great patriot, who knows he made few important mistakes, and is very very angry…
There are many disturbing signs that the Russian Federation is not the resistance stalwart many would like to believe as evidenced in the Russian economy. The Central Bank of Russia (CBR) is run by Elvira Nebuillina who has received the ‘Banker of the Year Award for the Euro Zone’ several years running and I doubt that this needs much explaining as to the significance. Bankers get up in the morning for one reason only, to sell debt. And while it can be pointed out that Russia’s debt to GDP is relatively low the forecasts are for an increase in this debt ratio and other debt. If the CBR was under political control then perhaps it might extend debt free loans to various levels of government for hard and social infrAstructure based on strict repayment plans and oversight that the loans extended have not been absconded. Instead the CBR keeps interest rates artificially high as the first impact of western sanctions are imposed and have to dealt with. Money from interest, paid by the Russian taxpayer to the banking fraternity who have no patriotism. A look at other BRICS nations reveals a similar situation, especially with China contemplating the opening of its financial markets to foreign lenders who will then invest in Chinese companies with an eye to overwhelming them in debt as per neo liberal economic financialization modus operandi.
Russia has also been on an accelerating path of privatization. Mainly in Minerals and oil. Rostneft just sold about 18% of itself to Glencore. Someone or thing is certainly selling out that crazy idea of Russia for Russians.
“The state exists to enforce the dominance of elites, all the rest is propaganda, misdirection, obfuscation and/or terrorism up to an including total war against any opposition.”
Medvedev is an Atlanticist? Therefore an oligarch. Where the worldwide oligarchic brotherhood keep their money? In the west. What is west/US doing? Putting pressure on the oligarchs in Russia to deliver what cannot be delivered-a coup. What does the west do to those who do not comply to their diktat? Include on the ever growing list of sanctions or “martyr” them. Not much of a choice. Especially when Russia is offering them a safe harbour back home. For a price of course. Pay the fines and play nice. Is that not the way how Putin put Russia on her feet again during these years?
If Medvedev was an Atlanticist, by now he should be cured from that illness, seeing what are his alternatives. If he was not, then he played the part masterfully and bought Russia much needed time. I know, Libya happened on his watch and he stopped deliveries of S-300 or 400 to Iran and probably some other things also but be realistic. Russia is still buying time, just imagine how unprepared then they were for the confrontation with the west. Either way, Putin keeps him around and seeing and knowing what Putin accomplished i trust in his judgment. He earned my trust and admiration. Not belief. That belongs to no man.
Did Putin not emphasized youth in his speech? Well, someone must teach that youth. So, pulling some veterans from the front and dedicate them to teaching the younger generations is a guarantee of future success. Imagine the wealth of experience they can share and still manage to live to ripe old age also as opposed to dying in the trenches fighting all monsters imaginable. Best of both worlds. They get much deserved retirement or less stressful work and the younger ones gain mentors of incomparable experience. Without that routine no system can run smoothly.
Não é melhor manter um persongem desses perto, e controlado, do que solto e ressentido (ressentiment – Nietsche)?
Translation:
Is not it better to keep such a character close, and controlled, than loose and resentful (Nietsche)?
Putin has a football World Championship to hold. So he is being nice to Bibi and will not rock the boat internally to avoid any mishaps (“islamist” terror attacks) and bad press, possibly boycotts, abroad.
Once that has gone by successfully and his profile is further strengthened, things may change.
Hmm, they say Syria has all they need and they wont be delivering any new systems. So the S300 was already delivered i presume?
Putin and his smart decision and leadership , brought back Russia’s domination.
Putin’s critic is one who dislike Russia and would like Gorbachev and similar pro-western Russian leaders to see as Russia president.
This planet need military balance , to war machine NATO countries
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfJ1U_IQLkc
The Saker,
Please have a look at what Michael Khazin says here:
– that Medvedev is a part of Putin’s team,
– and that “liberals” have lost a great deal (all their key people in the government of Russia).
***
In my opinion, you have been right about two competing groups of elite in Russia, but wrong placing Medvedev among “liberals” (Chubais, Gref, Kudrin, and etc.).
Medvedev re-nomination
Medvedev representing the gang of liberals,he has fired most of the managers, CEOs installed by Mr.Putin after Jelcin resignation.
Mr.Putin obviously can use them in another positions because of the trust and expertise. Not so many Russians has realized that there is still Jelcin gang /sudden rich Russian / in operation.
Mr.Primakov as a best trainer and confidant of Mr.Putin explained to him during his work that “You have to keep your enemy very close to your self, just to be prepared what are they planning to do against you”
It was maybe the best advise what Mr.Putin can get from his master lecturer.
Dmitry Medvedev: The Constitution should not be rewritten for some milestone date, the Constitution should be changed only in case of extreme need, when we think that some of its provisions either have not withstood the test of time or weaken the overall state structure. And that does not apply to fundamental human rights and freedoms, for that there is a special procedure to adopt amendments and on the whole it would be fair to say that everything is written up in accordance with world canons. As regards the Orthodox religion, every person is entitled to his or her own point of view: Mizulina has one point of view, Zheleznyak has a similar view and someone else has a different point of view. For example, I go to church, but I do not go there in my capacity as Prime Minister. I went to church before I came to work in Moscow, and will go to church after I finish my state career, and whatever the rules on freedom of conscience may be I will continue to go to church even if the Constitution changes. I think that’s not uncommon. By the way, we in United Russia have not only those who belong to the Orthodox denomination, but people who identify themselves as Muslims and there are representatives of other denominations. That is perfectly normal. Our religious feeling must not be connected with our party card; that’s obvious to me. So, establishing special preferences is inappropriate. Our Constitution proclaims freedom of conscience: everyone chooses his religion according to the way he feels, or says he is an atheist. This is the civilized approach to such relations.