Russian President Vladimir Putin has introduced a government filled with loyalists, strengthening his control over the economy and national security following protests and limiting Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev's ability to implement market reforms. Putin, aged 59, chose to maintain continuity by keeping his ally Igor Shuvalov as first deputy prime minister responsible for economic policy, while Igor Sechin will continue as his energy chief in a non-governmental role. Despite announcing several new names for cabinet positions, Putin mostly retained familiar figures, showing little desire for policy changes at the beginning of his six-year presidential term. The former KGB agent solidified his influence over key ministries by appointing Moscow police chief Vladimir Kolokoltsev as interior minister, demonstrating trust in a person who has used force against protesters calling for Putin's resignation. Putin indicated continuity in international and military matters by keeping Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov in their positions, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, who oversees the defense industry and is an ally of Putin. Putin addressed the new cabinet in a Kremlin meeting broadcast live on state television, emphasizing the challenges ahead due to the uncertain global economy. The government's effectiveness will be tested by how quickly it can implement a privatization program and reduce the economy's reliance on oil and gas exports. Amid protests over alleged electoral fraud and frustrations with his long rule, Putin appointed Kolokoltsev to the Interior Ministry as a sign that he is not willing to yield to demands for increased political freedom. Opposition leader Boris Nemtsov told Reuters that there is a man who disrupts peaceful meetings with the help of cudgels, and he believes this behavior is in line with the ideology of modern Putinism. Despite Prime Minister Medvedev's intentions to implement pro-growth policies and privatization efforts, concerns have been raised about factional divisions between the ruling 'tandem' in Russia due to the secretive process of forming a new government. Alfa Bank, based in Moscow, suggested that the new cabinet is likely to prioritize budget stability over a pro-market agenda. The newly appointed cabinet is seen as an attempt to balance power between the president and prime minister, which could hinder the implementation of a cohesive economic agenda. The cabinet includes some new members who were part of a group of young market liberals in the Kremlin during Medvedev's presidency, where promised reforms were not fully carried out. Arkady Dvorkovich, one of the new deputy premiers, will now oversee energy and industry policy, despite having little influence in these areas while working as Medvedev's economic adviser. The energy minister position went to Alexander Novak, a former deputy finance minister, indicating that Sechin will still control Russia's oil and gas sector. Another Medvedev aide, Mikhail Abyzov, was appointed as coordinator of an "open government" forum, which has yet to produce significant results. Putin, who relinquished his position as president in 2008 due to constitutional limitations, increased his control over economic policy by appointing individuals who support his belief in state-led development to key positions in finance and economy. Anton Siluanov, a career bureaucrat, remains as finance minister, while a pro-Putin economist, Andrei Belousov, has been promoted to economy minister. Former Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin, who was removed from government in a power struggle with Medvedev, criticized the new government, stating that it lacks the ability to address the challenges facing Russia. He is still close to Putin and has been suggested as a potential future prime minister. According to analysts, the cabinet is likely to lack independence and decision-making power may shift to the presidential administration under Putin's leadership until 2024. The recent economic growth in Russia was largely due to pre-election spending, but structural reforms are not a priority. Germany Gref, head of Sberbank, warned that Russia may face economic challenges in the future due to its reliance on oil. The government must ensure a positive environment for investment and growth, as seen with delays in privatizing Gref's bank due to poor market conditions. Shuvalov, who has supported privatization in the past, is viewed as someone who can navigate power struggles between market liberals and those with security service backgrounds. The decision to proceed and how quickly it happens will be determined by the price of oil.