Russian defense minister Anatoly Serdiukov can be replaced with Dmitry Rogozin, writes Newsru.com referring to other media sources and an insider. According to this information, Rogozin would keep his post of vice premier responsible for defense industry; overlapped positions would help him to settle problems related to state defense order. The governmental insider confirms that the current defense minister Anatoly Serdiukov who was believed to keep his position for long time, most likely will leave the cabinet.
Rogozin's administration declined to comment his possible appointment. Rogozin himself was not available for comments either. Acting presidential press secretary Natalia Timakova refused to discuss rumors about staff replacements.
According to ITAR-TASS, new Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev will submit proposals on the cabinet structure to president Putin on May 15.
In accordance with Federal Government Law, a prime minister should submit his proposals on the government make-up to presidential consideration within a week after inauguration. "Therefore, the President will receive proposals after a 7-day period, as the active legislation requires", emphasized Putin's press service.
In the next few days Medvedev will finish consultations with candidates for government chairs in accordance with cabinet's structure of the cabinet.
Vladimir Putin also plans to talk with ministerial nominees. Officially, that is the reason why he will not attend the G8 Summit in the US in May 18-19; premier Medvedev will take part in the summit instead.
Former government worked without changes through the whole Medvedev's 4-year long presidency. Currently, it contains 26 persons, i.e. prime minister, 2 deputy prime ministers, 5 vice premiers, 17 ministers, and one acting minister.