MOSCOW—Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed a new cabinet, but kept key ministers following proposals last week for sweeping constitutional changes that could see him retaining political power after his term ends.
The plans amounted to a broad overhaul of the balance of power in Russia and were widely seen as a move by Mr. Putin, who was re-elected to his fourth presidential term in 2018, to consolidate his control. The proposals preceded the resignation of the previous government led by Dmitry Medvedev, his loyal lieutenant.
The new cabinet announced on Tuesday, led by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, a former tax chief, saw some key ministers keep their posts, including the ministers of finance, foreign affairs and defense.
Mr. Putin appointed Andrei Belousov, a proponent of increased government spending and a greater government role in the economy, as Mr. Mishustin’s first deputy prime minister and replaced the minister of economy.
Last week’s developments came as a surprise to observers and even many in government, kicking off what is expected to be a long and fraught succession contest leading up to 2024, when Mr. Putin is required by law to step down. It comes as the Russian economy continues to creak under layers of international sanctions and as Moscow’s sour relations with the West show few signs of improvement.
Proposals from Mr. Putin, being debated this week at the state Duma, the lower house of Parliament, would limit the power of a potential successor. He also proposed boosting the role of the State Council, which he already heads, fueling speculation that he could remain in control and guide policy from that post.
Following Mr. Medvedev’s resignation, Mr. Putin installed Mr. Mishustin, a relatively unknown technocrat who has led Russia’s tax service since 2010, as prime minister.
“We are all well aware that the tasks facing us are not easy,” Mr. Mishustin said on Tuesday after meeting Mr. Putin. “We will do our best to accomplish them.”
Mr. Putin appointed Maxim Reshetnikov, a technocratic governor, as the new minister of economic development, succeeding Maxim Oreshkin.
Finance Minister Anton Siluanov kept his position. Sergei Lavrov, the veteran foreign minister, and Sergei Shoigu, defense minister since 2012 and one of the most popular senior officials according to opinion polls, were also reappointed.
Energy Minister Alexander Novak, one of the architects of Russia’s oil-production deal with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, remained in office.
A Duma committee on Tuesday recommended passing Mr. Putin’s constitutional amendments, and a first vote is expected on Thursday.
The Kremlin defended the speed with which Mr. Putin’s proposals were being rushed through Parliament.
“This is the reality we live in, and this reality is absolutely clear and understandable,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday. "All of this will involve large-scale debates on the essence of the amendments proposed.”
Write to Georgi Kantchev at georgi.kantchev@wsj.com
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