Russia’s State Duma Approves Government Reshuffle, Elevating Finance Minister Siluanov
Amid rising military expenditure and budget pressures, Russia’s State Duma unanimously approved five appointments, including Finance Minister Anton Siluanov’s promotion to deputy prime minister.
RUSSIA,POLITICS
Global N Press
10/21/20262 min read
MOSCOW, October 21, 2026 — Russia’s State Duma unanimously approved five government appointments on Wednesday, including the promotion of Finance Minister Anton Siluanov to deputy prime minister, as the Kremlin seeks to reinforce fiscal oversight amid rising military expenditure and mounting budget pressures.
The nominations, submitted by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin following consultations with President Vladimir Putin, cover four deputy prime minister positions and the post of transport minister. All five candidates received 430 votes in favour, according to Interfax.
Siluanov Takes on Expanded Role
Siluanov will serve as deputy prime minister while retaining his position as finance minister, a post he has held since 2011. He previously held both positions from 2018 to 2020.
His promotion comes as Russia faces increasing pressure on public finances from military spending, high borrowing costs and planned tax increases. The expanded role could give Siluanov greater influence over government-wide spending decisions, although the appointment does not itself signal a change in fiscal policy.
Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin was approved as deputy prime minister with responsibility for the transport sector. Dmitry Yadrov, head of Russia’s Federal Air Transport Agency, was approved to succeed Nikitin as transport minister.
Okladnikova to Head Government Staff
Irina Okladnikova, the first deputy finance minister, was approved as deputy prime minister and head of the government staff, replacing Dmitry Grigorenko. She is set to become the first woman to hold the government staff leadership post.
The government staff coordinates administrative operations and helps oversee the implementation of cabinet decisions. Okladnikova’s appointment brings another senior Finance Ministry official into a key government coordination role.
Oleg Kozhemyako, governor of Primorsky Krai in Russia’s Far East, was approved as deputy prime minister and presidential envoy to the Far Eastern Federal District, replacing Yury Trutnev.
The proposed changes were announced on October 19 after Mishustin presented the nominations to Putin, who supported the reshuffle, according to Russian official statements.
Budget Pressures Remain a Key Challenge
The reshuffle comes as Moscow seeks to balance military spending and other government commitments against mounting fiscal constraints.
Russia has doubled its forecast for the 2026 federal budget deficit to 3.2% of gross domestic product from 1.6%. Its revised budget plans also envisage defence spending in 2027 about 27% higher than originally planned, according to Reuters.
High interest rates, tax increases and pressure on economic growth add to the government’s fiscal challenges. The appointments place officials with substantial financial and administrative experience in expanded leadership roles, but their practical impact will depend on how the government manages competing spending priorities.
The State Duma’s approval completes the parliamentary stage of the nomination process. The appointments remain subject to the formal presidential appointment procedure under Russia’s constitutional framework.
