In a videoconference broadcast on Russian television, Russian President Vladimir Putin loses his temper with one of his top ministers and berates him: “Why are you making a fool of yourself?”
Putin’s reprimand was received by Denis Manturov – he is the minister of industry and trade, and since the summer also the deputy prime minister. He is considered one of the central strategists of Russian economic policy. Since the start of the war in Ukraine and sanctions from the West, Putin’s aim has been to make the Russian economy independent of technology imports from the West. An almost impossible task that Manturow takes on.
Because of the sanctions, several Russian car manufacturers have had to partially stop production because important components are missing. The sanctions are also a heavy blow to the aviation industry. Boeing and Airbus do not deliver aircraft or spare parts to Russia. Replacement must now come from the Russian countryside. So far without any noticeable success.
Minister contradicts – Putin scolds
According to a report by the German broadcaster “ntv”, Putin ordered some members of the government to make reports by videoconference. These fairly common engagements are televised. What is generally not on the agenda: contradiction. Putin initially complained that some companies had not yet received government contracts and therefore had not started production this year.
Manturov replied that all eligible companies had already received state contracts. After a brief back-and-forth, Putin must have had enough: “Let’s get this over with. What’s the point of arguing with you here?” And Putin continued towards his minister: “Why are you playing stupid?”
Kremlin watcher Anders Aslund tweeted that it will be interesting to see whether Manturov survives this very public row with Putin: “If Putin doesn’t fire him he will look very weak.”