Putin Endorses Government Reshuffle Following Duma Parliamentary Vote

Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved a government reshuffle proposed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, according to state media reports citing the Kremlin. During discussions on social and economic priorities, the prime minister submitted several personnel changes regarding ministerial positions to the head of state. The ministerial reorganization follows a September parliamentary election that renewed the legislative ranks of the State Duma lower house. The personnel moves occur as Russia seeks new avenues for economic expansion amid an expanding budget deficit, increased tax rates, and elevated borrowing costs. The proposed ministerial nominees, whose identities have not yet been publicly disclosed, will be submitted to parliament for formal legislative approval.

On September 11, 2026, the Bank of Russia Board of Directors decided to keep its key benchmark interest rate at 14.00% per annum.

The planned Russian federal budget deficit for 2026 as a whole is 3.786 trillion rubles, representing 1.6% of GDP.

In 2016, United Russia won a then-record 343 seats in the State Duma before winning 349 seats in the September 2026 parliamentary elections.