Sokolov, Nikiforov, Tkachev, Donskoi, Men, Abyzov not included in new government
MOSCOW. May 18 (Interfax) - As expected, the Russian government's economic wing has been overhauled, although the heads of four key ministries have retained their posts.
The most seamless change is at the Transport Ministry, whose head, Maxim Sokolov, will be replaced by his first deputy, Yevgeny Ditrikh. The transport sector has had the opportunity to prepare itself for that change.
At the Communications and Mass Media Ministry, Konstantin Noskov, the head of government's Analytics Center, will replace Nikolai Nikiforov as head of the ministry, which has been renamed Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media Ministry.
Agriculture Minister Alexander Tkachev is also stepping down, as expected, to be replaced by the head of the Russian Agricultural Bank , Dmitry Patrushev, who in recent days has figured as the leading candidate to take over the ministry.
Another departure that was expected is Sergei Donskoi, who headed the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry. His place will be taken by Yamalo-Nenets autonomous district Governor Dmitry Kobylkin.
At the Construction Ministry, Mikhail Men will be replaced in the top job by Tyumen region Governor Vladimir Yakushev.
Finally, Mikhail Abyzov, who was a minister without portfolio in the previous government and the head of the Open Government Commission, is not included in the new government. No replacement for Abyzov has been named. President Vladimir Putin had earlier dissolved the Open Government Commission in his decree approving the structure of the new government.
Four ministers who were reappointed to their posts are Economic Development Minister Maxim Oreshkin, Energy Minister Alexander Novak, Industry and Trade Minister Denis Manturov and Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, who will simultaneously serve as first deputy prime minister.