Russian finance minister pushed out of office

Russian Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin is no longer in government after an open row with President Dmitry Medvedev. Kudrin angered Medvedev when, citing spending disagreements, he publicly stated that he would refuse to serve once Vladimir Putin is reinstated as president next year. Medvedev called Kudrin an “irresponsible chatterbox,” calling on him to consider resigning immediately. It is unclear whether Kudrin ended up being fired or if he resigned from his post as finance minister. Kudrin was seen as an economic liberal who oversaw Russia’s recovery during its oil boom years, and spearheading tax policies that are credited with attracting foreign capital.

Sydney Morning Herald