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Article: A skull-cracker wins.(Sergei Stepashin, who was nominated and approved as Russia's new prime minister, promises to emphasize the reforms specified by the International Monetary Fund)(Brief Article)
- Article from:
- The Economist (US)
- Article date:
- May 22, 1999
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1999 Economist Newspaper Ltd. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Moscow
A new prime minister talks tough. But can he deliver?
ON THE day his nomination was confirmed by a handsome (301-55) majority of Russia's sulky deputies, the new prime minister thought it wise to clarify his real identity. ``I am not General Pinochet,'' he declared. ``My name is Stepashin.''
Appearances notwithstanding--the Russian politician's pink, chubby face is usually described as babyish rather than hawkish--this disavowal of the Chilean dictator will not reassure many Russians. For Sergei Stepashin's past career--as a veteran of Russia's security establishment who most recently headed the (fairly loyal and battle- ready) troops ...