Russia: Moscow Politicians Debate Next Prime Minister

(31 Mar 1998) Russian/Nat

Russia's leading politicians gathered to discuss whether they will back President Yeltsin's candidate for prime minister - Sergei Kiriyenko in Friday's parliamentary vote.

Many of them said they would not support Kiriyenko because he is too inexperienced.

Many are asking Yeltsin to put forward another candidate.

On Tuesday, energy officials from the G8 countries gathered in Moscow ahead of Wednesday's summit meeting.

But the burning question wasn't the slump in oil prices.

They were more interested in discussing who would be Russia's next prime minister.

Journalists besieged Boris Nemtsov, who along with the rest of the government was removed from his cabinet job by President Yeltsin last week.

He is an old friend of Sergei Kiriyenko and believes he is the right man to lead the new administration.

SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
Kiriyenko is a very talented man. I've known him for many years. He's a very honest person, he's single minded, active, I'm sure he will form a dynamic, single minded, orderly, professional and decent government.
SUPER CAPTION: Boris Nemtsov, acting first prime minister

In the lower house of parliament, the Duma which is set to vote on candidature for the post of prime minister, opinions were divided.

Party leaders met behind closed doors to discuss whether they would back Yeltsin's choice.

Duma speaker, Gennady Seleznyov said they would ask for a special meeting with the president to select another candidate.

SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"It's possible for the President to hold a round table debate with us on the matter. Eight representatives of the Duma, eight from the Federation Council and two from the unions etc. And in this way we want to halt his proposal for the prime minister's job."
SUPER CAPTION: Gennady Seleznyov, Duma Speaker

Gennady Zyuganov, the Communist leader said that Kiriyenko, who advocates free market reform, was unacceptable for his party because he lacked experience.

SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"He is 35, it would be the worst for him. He should work as a minister, then as vice prime minister for five years before becoming prime minister to get some experience. Why should he take on this responsibility now. He would only be able to work like this for half a year before there's a breakdown in government."
SUPER CAPTION: Gennady Zyuganov, Communist Leader

But ultra-nationalist Vladimir Zhirinovsky said he would be backing Yeltsin's proposal because Kiriyenko is weak and can be easily manipulated by the Duma.

SOUNDBITE: (Russian)
"It's good for both us and the president that he's weak. He won't bother the president who can die off in peace in a month, in a year - he'll die and meanwhile nothing will happen in the White House. He'll say come here little Sergei, sign this and go away. "
SUPER CAPTION: Vladimir Zhirinovsky, ultra-nationalist

The man at the centre of attention arrived at the Duma this afternoon, hoping to persuade his many doubters that he is the right person to lead the government.

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