Alexander Mercouris — In shock August reshuffle, Vladimir Putin replaces his Chief of Staff

People tend to read things into changes in the Kremlin pecking order with respect to who's in and who's out.

I think this is a misread in the current context of power shifts that Putin has been making.

Alexander Mercouris speculates on this.

There may be a possible hint in Putin’s comment as to the real reason for this step. He is reported to have said to Vano (Ivanov’s successor) that he would “like to see as little bureaucracy as possible and a more hands-on approach to solving everyday problems faced by the Executive Office, as well as in the key areas of economic development and social issues.” There have been constant rumours going back to Ivanov’s time as Defence Minister that he is not a good manager, and in these words there may be a hint that this is the real reason he has just been removed from a post where management skills are essential.

My read is that Putin is moving away from loyalty as a chief factor in selection and embracing competent managers that have demonstrated their skill.

Moreover, Ivanov is not exactly being "dismissed." He remains on the security council.

Putin is indeed tightening the reins, but by replacing "his people" with good managers.

The Duran
In shock August reshuffle, Vladimir Putin replaces his Chief of Staff

Alexander Mercouris