According to one of the best known Russian political scientists, "no one has ever been able" to predict the criteria used by Russian President Vladimir Putin in deciding staff appointments. These criteria are "known to him alone," said Mr. Nikonov. Nevertheless the president's requirements to the candidacy of a new prime minister are known - professionalism, decency, and experience of work in different fields. "Mr. Fradkov, in the president's view, meets these requirements," said Mr. Nikonov.
According to him, the professionalism of the candidate for a new premier is not in doubt. Besides, Mr. Fradkov was not caught out in any dirty machination and has experience of work in different fields, including a wide-ranging international outlook," the Politika president said.
Konstantin Simonov, director-general of the Center for Political Studies, in his turn described Mikhail Fradkov as "an experienced manager, who in his post will probably be concerned with personnel and administrative support for liberal modernization proclaimed by President Putin." He considers the future head of government as "a technical premier who will do the job of implementing this program." In the expert's view, "an ideology of future changes in the country will no doubt be formulated by the head of state." But, he added, "the composition of the team that is to implement the program will most likely be announced next week." The expert does not expect cardinal changes in the make-up of a new government, "especially in the economic bloc."
