Russian President Vladimir Putin introduced a government filled with his supporters on Monday, 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 position outside the government. Putin announced several new names for cabinet positions during a meeting at the Kremlin, but kept many familiar faces in key roles, showing little interest in making significant policy changes at the beginning of his six-year presidential term. The former KGB agent solidified his influence over important ministries by appointing Moscow police chief Vladimir Kolokoltsev as interior minister, demonstrating his trust in a man who has sometimes used force against protesters calling for Putin's resignation. Putin indicated his intention to maintain consistency in international and military affairs by keeping Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov in their positions, as well as Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, a supporter who oversees the defense industry. Putin addressed the new cabinet in a Kremlin meeting broadcast live on state television, stating that work will be challenging due to the uncertain global economy. He emphasized the importance of implementing a privatization program and reducing the economy's reliance on oil and gas exports. Putin has faced significant protests, sparked by allegations of electoral fraud and fueled by frustration over his extended time in power. The opposition believes that Putin is ignoring their views and hindering economic and political reforms in Russia. Putin's appointment of Kolokoltsev to the Interior Ministry signals his refusal to give in to protesters' demands for more political freedom and a decrease in central control over the vast country. Opposition leader Boris Nemtsov accused a man of disrupting peaceful meetings with the help of cudgels, stating that this behavior is consistent with the principles of modern Putinism. Despite Prime Minister Medvedev's intentions to implement pro-growth policies and privatization efforts, concerns have been raised about potential factional divisions within the ruling 'tandem'. Alfa Bank, based in Moscow, suggested that the new cabinet is more likely to prioritize budget stability over a pro-market agenda. The new cabinet is seen as an attempt to strike a balance of power between the president and PM, potentially hindering the implementation of a cohesive economic agenda. The lineup includes some fresh faces from the group of young market liberals who worked in the Kremlin during Medvedev's presidency. Among them is Arkady Dvorkovich, appointed as one of the six deputy premiers with a focus on energy and industry policy, roles in which he had limited influence as Medvedev's economic adviser. Alexander Novak, a former deputy finance minister, was named energy minister, suggesting that Sechin will retain control over Russia's oil and gas sector despite leaving the government. Another Medvedev ally, Mikhail Abyzov, was appointed coordinator of an "open government" forum, which has so far yielded discussion but little action. Putin, who relinquished his role as president in 2008 due to constitutional restrictions, expanded his control over economic policy - typically the responsibility of the prime minister - by appointing individuals who support his belief in state-led development to the finance and economy portfolios. Anton Siluanov, a career bureaucrat, remains as finance minister, while Andrei Belousov, a pro-Putin economist, was promoted to economy minister. Former Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin, who was removed from government last year in a power struggle with Medvedev, described the new government as lacking innovation and expressed doubts about its ability to address the challenges facing Russia. Analysts predicted that the cabinet would probably lack independence and looked to the Kremlin team being formed by Putin for insight into policy direction during his upcoming six-year term. After this term, Putin could potentially seek re-election and aim to rule until 2024. Alexander Morozov, chief economist at HSBC in Moscow, stated that the balance of power in decision-making may shift from the government to the presidential administration, as recent presidential statements did not indicate a desire for structural reforms. Despite Russia's economy growing 4.9 percent in the first quarter, this growth was largely due to pre-election spending that raised the required oil price for Russia to balance its budget in the future. German Gref, head of Sberbank, warned that the "oil curse" would eventually impact Russia. The government must create a positive environment for investment and economic growth, as Gref's bank is set to be privatized but the sale of a 7.6 percent stake has been delayed multiple times. Shuvalov vetoed a sale due to poor market conditions, which have worsened, decreasing the stake's value to $4.3 billion. The English-speaking lawyer is viewed as a key figure who can mediate disputes between market liberals and those with a security services background, like Putin. "Shuvalov has supported privatization in the past," noted Peter Westin, chief economist at Moscow brokerage Aton. The decision to proceed and the pace at which it occurs will be determined by the price of oil.