Political tensions in Russia as Putin fires close aid

(Vatican Radio)  Political tensions are reported in Russia where President Vladimir Putin has abruptly replaced his longtime chief-of-staff with a low-profile younger aide. The dismissal of Sergei Ivanov and the appointment of Anton Vayno as his new chief is seen as the latest in a series of reported moves by the Russian leader to rid himself of members of the old guard, amid concerns about his own future.

Listen to Stefan Bos' report:

In what appeared a tightly choreographed broadcast by Russian state television, Putin briefly thanked his longtime chief-of-staff for his work. But he also made clear it was time for 63-year-old Ivanov to move on. Putin said he respected Ivanov's alleged request for another less prestigious job — the presidential adviser for the environment and transportation.

Sitting behind a table President Putin told him: "I well remember our agreement about your request not to keep you in this current position for more than four years. So, I understand your decision to have another job. And I really believe that you will use all your knowledge and experience to work efficiently in a new position." 

Yet, it's another setback for the outgoing Ivanov. He had been in senior positions since Putin won his first presidential term in 2000. Initially, Ivanov became his defense minister. When Putin had to move into the prime minister's seat in 2008 due to term limits, Ivanov had been considered his likely successor. 

But Kremlin insiders say he ruined his chances by prematurely celebrating his expected nomination. Instead Putin chose Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev as his placeholder for the following four years.

Broad authority

When Medvedev obediently stepped down after one term to allow Putin reclaim the presidency in 2012, Ivanov was named the Kremlin chief-of-staff, a job with broad authority. 

Fastforward, the Russian leader now wants one of Ivanov's former and younger deputies, 44-year-old Anton Vayno, as his new chief-of-staff. Vayno quikcly made clear his priorities. "I consider that the main task of the administration is to maintain your work as the head of state," he explained to Putin, with camera's rolling.

"This is subject to legislative activity [and the] control function of implementing your decrees, including the May decrees."

Behind the smiles, analysts see Putin's increasing weariness with his close lieutenants who had known him even before his ascent to the presidency.

Commentators suggested that 63-year-old Putin may want to avoid projecting the image of an aging leader at a time of economic challenges at home and Russia's direct and indirect involvement in conflicts such as in Syria and Ukraine.

More casualties

Ivanov is the latest political casualty in Putin's campaign to rid himself of long-serving members of his entourage.

In the past year, Russian Railways chief Vladimir Yakunin, anti-narcotics czar Viktor Ivanov and Kremlin security chief Yevgeny Murov have all lost their jobs. All are men in their 60s, and all long-time acquaintances of the president.

Another longtime associate, Andrei Belyaninov, who knew Putin since the times they both were KGB secret service officers in East Germany, lost his job as customs chief last month after investigators searched his home and founds hundreds of thousand dollars stashed in shoe boxes.

Among the new appointees to senior government jobs are also former officers of the Kremlin security guard and stolid clerks who had not been known to the public.