Surprise Putin shake-up leaves question mark over Russian energy minister Novak

Moscow — Russia's key energy minister role held by Alexander Novak was cast into doubt Wednesday after a surprise shake-up by President Vladimir Putin in which the whole Russian government resigned.

Novak, a key figure in the country's alliance with OPEC, is to resign along with the rest of the government, after an announcement from Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev.

Novak will be expected to continue in his role until a new government is formed, following the surprise announcement, which came during a meeting between Putin and the cabinet, broadcast on state television.

Tax Service chief Mikhail Mishustin, 53, was named as Medvedev's replacement, the Kremlin was quoted as saying by state news agency RIA Novosti.

However, there was no information on new ministerial appointments. The parliament, or Duma, is scheduled to meet Thursday to approve Mishustin's appointment as prime minister. Once appointed, Mishustin will be able to announce a new cabinet formed of either the incumbent, acting or new minsters.

Russia produces more than 11 million b/d of crude oil and is Europe's largest supplier of natural gas. Novak has been a key figure in Moscow's collaboration with OPEC to cut 1.7 million b/d of combined output.

CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS

Putin on Wednesday announced plans for wide-ranging constitutional reforms that would shift some powers away from the president to parliament and the prime minister.

Putin's term of office expires in 2024 and under the current constitution, he will have to step down when it expires. It is his fourth -- and second consecutive -- term as president.

Government sources said the resignations had not been expected by cabinet members.

Respected Russia analyst Dmitri Trenin, director of the Carnegie Moscow Center, said on Twitter the changes announced by Putin, including a reapportionment of state powers, were designed with a "view to end his presidency in 2024” when the Russian leader's current term expires.

"Mikhail Mishustin's elevation to Russia's PM is designed to get more competent leadership in Cabinet which will have to focus on [the] all-important domestic agenda,” Trenin said, adding that "Medvedev's career isn't over” and Putin "still needs him in [the] transition scenario.”