Putin sacks Russian government in shock move before presidential poll

[NNN0LHI]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1504&ncid=1504&e=20&u=/afp/20040224/ts_afp/russia_politics_040224224554

MOSCOW (AFP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin (news - web sites) in a shock move sacked his government led by Yeltsin-era figure Mikhail Kasyanov in a bid to further stamp his authority ahead of his near-certain re-election next month.


In a live television address to the nation, Putin said he was dismissing the entire government -- a first during his presidency -- and would choose a new prime minister before the March 14 presidential elections.


Kasyanov, 46, one of the last vestiges from the time of Putin's predecessor Boris Yeltsin, and who had served as head of government under Putin's four-year administration, was replaced temporarily by one his deputies, Viktor Khristenko.


"In line with Article 117 of the Russian Constitution, I have decided to dismiss the government," said Putin.

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[Shanty Oilish]

1. Shocked, shocked

by this shock move. Shocked shocked it's legal too.

[patricia92243]

2. Could that thing in the WH now do that to our government?? By the way Bush

said "He looked into Putin's eyes and saw his soul, and he is a good man".Of course, the rest of us saw a former KGP man.

[Devils Advocate NZ]

3. What do you mean 'could'? EVERY US president does it!

After all, when was the last time you saw a US President keep the cabinet of the former president? I mean, Clinton didn't appoint Ashcroft, did he?

So why is it wrong for Putin to select his own cabinet?

What I want to know is why this part of the story wasn't quoted:

In contrast to the turbulent Yeltsin years, when the erratic Russian leader sacked prime ministers at will, Putin has presided over an unprecedented period of political stability in post-Soviet Russia.