Dimitri Rogozin departs from Brussels to reach Moscow
(BRUXELLES2) Permanent representative of Russia to NATO, Dimitri Rogozin is, to say the least, a colorful character, not hesitating to make a good offensive word. He was in all the Russian battles in Brussels, ardently defending his country's position, whether it was Kosovo or Georgia, the intervention in Libya or the anti-missile shield. He has since today (December 23) a new function as decided by President Medvedev: Deputy Prime Minister in charge of the defense industry. He will be responsible for ensuring the modernization of which still represents one of Russia's industrial jewels. An unprecedented effort was decided this year with a 50% increase in spending to reach $25 billion. It is a question of transforming this investment to make it more effective. What is not earned.
Ensure that every ruble transforms the Russian army into one of the best in the world
In his roadmap drawn up by Medvedev, Rogozin also has the task of fighting against corruption, which plagues the sector. During the appointment transcribed on the Kremlin website, the newcomer also promised to " work strictly in accordance with your instructions, with a view to rebuilding our defense sector within the set deadlines and reducing any attempt at corruption with an iron fist. Our country has allocated a lot of money to our defense complex. (...) I promise you that every ruble, every penny, will be spent wisely, to achieve its destination, the achievement of our army and navy in the form of modern military technology and equipment, so that our armed forces are among the best in the world »
Despite everything, Rogozin remains Deputy Prime Minister. And other files may be entrusted to him, in conjunction with the Cabinet Medvedev clarified. We can bet that he will thus continue to follow a few files such as the NATO anti-missile shield. According to the agreement between the two men, the cabinet headed by Putin today should be Medvedev's tomorrow.
As for Rogozin's predecessor in this post, Sergei Ivanov, former adviser to Boris Elstine, and Minister of Defense from 2001 to 2007, he will take over the presidency as special adviser to President Medvedev.
(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)
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(photo credit: Kremlin)
