Becoming a Russian Oligarch After Rebirth-Chapter 971 - 885 Watching a Fight from a Hill_2
However, Wang Ye did not elaborate, only sighed.
But obviously, Gavriil understood what he wanted to say.
He nodded knowingly, thought for a moment, and then said,
"Kasianov is indeed very capable in his work, and under his leadership over the past few years, the overall performance of the government has been competent.
But while he may be good at handling the economy, he is not a qualified leader.
He...has gotten too close to the Liberals!
Moreover, recently, Kasianov and the Kremlin have had many disagreements on major national development issues.
If we can’t ensure the execution of the Kremlin’s policies, then what’s the point of keeping him?"
He spoke very bluntly, essentially telling Wang Ye directly that although Kasianov is capable, he has "different intentions" and shouldn’t be trusted with important responsibilities!
Wang Ye smiled and joked, "A few months ago, I saw a media critique of Kasianov, saying he was like a smug peacock, spreading his feathers and admiring himself in mirrors placed everywhere."
Gavriil also smiled, nodding his head, "Indeed, when he first took office, Kasianov was quite humble. Perhaps it’s because he has indeed achieved some success over the years that he gradually became arrogant and proud, even starting to secretly defy the Kremlin’s instructions. If our political views don’t align, we can’t continue to cooperate, so that’s why..."
"I understand! But who do you plan to appoint to succeed Kasianov? This choice should be determined soon, after all, the government has many institutions, and it’s not possible to have no one to coordinate and manage them," Wang Ye probed.
Gavriil pondered for a moment and shook his head, "To tell you the truth, no one has been decided yet."
Wang Ye was somewhat surprised. They had taken down Kasianov, yet they hadn’t decided on a nominee.
He thought the Kremlin would already have someone in mind.
"This... there must be a target candidate, right? It’s impossible for the position to remain vacant," Wang Ye said, somewhat exasperated.
Gavriil gave a wry smile, "Ah, you’re telling me.
Originally, I had persuaded... your father-in-law to wait until a successor was determined before dismissing Kasianov, but Kasianov’s recent behavior has been outrageous.
Especially yesterday morning, the Kremlin sent a document to the government, asking Kasianov to facilitate its progress. Who would have thought he would call back, questioning why such a decision was made without consulting him and saying he would refuse to carry it out?
So your father-in-law just couldn’t wait any longer and issued the order in the afternoon."
Wang Ye gave a wry smile as well. Sometimes changes at the top could be so playful.
There was no thrilling struggle behind it, nor was it a decision made after careful consideration; it was a spur-of-the-moment impulse that led to the decision.
If outsiders knew about it, wouldn’t they think it was too frivolous!
Gavriil would only say these things in Wang Ye’s presence. With someone else, he certainly wouldn’t have revealed them.
After all, Wang Ye’s relationship with the Kremlin was clear. He was truly "one of us"!
Gavriil looked at Wang Ye and smiled, saying, "Actually, you are the most suitable!"
Wang Ye quickly waved his hands, "Don’t say that! I have no interest in that position at all. I’m doing just fine here in the Duma, and I don’t want to wade into those murky waters at the government."
Indeed, after this term change in the Duma, Wang Ye could basically say he had the situation under control.
How comfortable it was to be the First Vice Speaker and also chairing two high-ranking and influential committees.
He had real power and was not too conspicuous, fitting his low-profile personality!
Why bother going to the government side, where it’s well known to be the most fierce battlefield of factional struggles?
Russia’s so-called "Cabinet" is different from that of Europe and the United States.
In Europe and the United States, the cabinet is nominated by the President, and as long as parliament approves, the nominees are of course people the President trusts or are from one faction.
But it’s not the same in Russia!
Nominally, it’s still the Kremlin that nominates the President’s candidate, and the Duma votes to approve, but keep in mind, the President himself is a non-partisan individual. The President and Ministers he appoints cannot all come from one faction; instead, there are people from various factions.
While this ensures that no one faction dominates, it also leads to a government filled with competing factions, struggling against one another, causing low work efficiency.
Kasianov belonged to the Liberals!
The Kremlin used him for four years, didn’t they...
In terms of appointments, the Kremlin still primarily considers ability first and other factors afterward.
Of course, if you always go against the Kremlin, no matter how capable you are, it won’t work!
......
Gavriil certainly knew that Wang Ye was reluctant to take on such a difficult job, seemingly prestigious, but actually quite constrained.
It was just like Kasianov had said to the Kremlin in his past life; once he stepped down from the Presidency, he would never again prepare to take up an appointed or assigned official position, but rather one that was won through election!
The difference between the two was enormous!
Appointed and assigned positions, that is, the various positions on the government side, include the President at the highest level, followed by Ministers, and then a variety of other positions further down the hierarchy.
These positions, on the surface, seem both prestigious and powerful.
But, in the end, they are subject to others, and if you happen to disagree with those above you or someone targets your position, a simple document from your immediate superiors can dismiss you from your post!
Even if that position was something you struggled half your life to achieve...
However, positions obtained through election are different.
Seats in the Duma, the Kremlin, as Governors, and in the State Councils are produced through elections.
Once you hold one of these positions, for your fixed term, no one can trouble you, you only have the opportunity to cause trouble for others...
You don’t have to worry about being dismissed for offending someone.
Wang Ye is now the "invisible Speaker" of the Duma!
Legally speaking, no one can directly control him, nor does anyone have the authority to dismiss him, which is why, of course, he is unwilling to take up that broken Presidency.
Therefore, after being rejected by Wang Ye, Gavriil wasn’t disappointed at all; he never really thought that Wang Ye would want to take on that position.
He simply smiled and asked, "Then do you have anyone to recommend? Any faction will do, but it would be best if they have a rich experience in politics and are particularly good with economic tasks."
Wang Ye frowned and thought for a moment; it seemed he really didn’t have such a person around him...
But suddenly an idea came to him, and his eyes lit up as he blurted out, "I think Medvedev might be worth a try!"
Gavriil was somewhat surprised and asked Wang Ye, "Medvedev? Do you think he can handle it? He should currently hold the position of Deputy Director of your National Economic Commission, oh, and also the President of the Russian Gas Industry Group, as well as an economic advisor to the Kremlin."
Clearly, while Medvedev had already entered the core circle of the Hilarwick Group, he hadn’t yet become a true core figure.
Otherwise, Gavriil wouldn’t have said that.
Wang Ye nodded without hesitation and said,
"I don’t see a problem!
You see, he must be almost forty years old by now, with nearly twenty years in politics, which definitely counts as rich political experience.
He honed his path from Petersburg to Moscow, from the Kremlin to the Russian Gas Industry, and then to the National Economic Commission, essentially responsible for and excelling at economic-related tasks."
Hearing this, Gavriil also felt that it was quite reliable; at least for the moment, he couldn’t think of someone more suitable than Medvedev.
Furthermore, Wang Ye’s recommendation of Medvedev was definitely without ulterior motives, as Medvedev was an authentic Petersburg Faction member and a close disciple of the Kremlin!
Moreover, Medvedev’s relationship with Wang Ye was quite ordinary; the two had hardly any contact before Medvedev joined the National Economic Commission.
He nodded and said, "Your recommendation is a good one; I will talk to your father-in-law about it tomorrow."
A smile appeared on Wang Ye’s face, proposing Medvedev was indeed a very good choice, especially for himself.
Just wait and see, this is where the real drama begins.
The Liberals will definitely not want Medvedev to take office so easily; they will surely "snipe" at him!
Even within the Hilarwick Group, many will be dissatisfied with Medvedev getting this position.
Why should they, who have all done "yeoman’s work" and contributed to the faction, now let such a "young" junior take the lead?
When that happens, there will be a great "melee," and Wang Ye can simply watch the fight from a comfortable distance.
No matter who wins or loses, it will be a good thing for him!
