Mikhail Vladimirovich Mishustin (Russian: Михаил Владимирович Мишустин), born on 3 March 1966, is a prominent Russian economist and politician who has served as the Prime Minister of Russia since 16 January 2020.
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| Prime Minister of Russia | |
| Assumed office 16 January 2020 | |
| President | Vladimir Putin |
| First Deputy | Andrey Belousov Denis Manturov |
| Preceded by | Dmitry Medvedev |
| Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the Union State | |
| Assumed office 16 January 2020 | |
| Secretary General |
|
| Preceded by | Dmitry Medvedev |
| Head of the Special Coordinating Council for Security Enhancement | |
| Assumed office 19 October 2022 | |
| President | Vladimir Putin |
| Preceded by | Office established |
| Director of the Federal Taxation Service | |
| In office 6 April 2010 – 16 January 2020 | |
| Prime Minister |
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| Preceded by | Mikhail Mokretsov |
| Succeeded by | Daniil Yegorov |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 3 March 1966 Lobnya, Moscow Oblast, Soviet Union |
| Political party | Independent |
| Spouse | Vladlena Mishustina |
| Children | 3 |
| Alma mater | STANKIN |
| Occupation |
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| Profession | Engineer |
Prior to ascending to this role, Mishustin built a formidable reputation as the Director of the Federal Taxation Service (FTS), a position he held from 2010 to 2020. His appointment as Prime Minister came during a period of significant political restructuring, following the resignation of Dmitry Medvedev and his government, a move intended to facilitate broad constitutional reforms proposed by President Vladimir Putin.
Mishustin was confirmed by the State Duma on 16 January 2020, receiving overwhelming support, and officially assumed office the same day.
Mishustin holds the federal state civilian service rank of 1st class Active State Councillor of the Russian Federation, reflecting his senior status within the Russian civil service hierarchy.
Early Life and Education
Mikhail Mishustin was born in Lobnya, a small town near Moscow, to Vladimir Moiseyevich Mishustin and Luiza Mikhailovna. His father hailed from Polotsk, while his mother originated from Kotlas, Arkhangelsk Oblast. Vladimir Mishustin was actively involved in the Komsomol, the youth division of the Communist Party, which likely influenced Mikhail’s early exposure to organizational and administrative structures.
Mishustin pursued higher education at the Moscow State Technological University "Stankin" (STANKIN), where he graduated in 1989 with a degree in systems engineering. Demonstrating a commitment to academic excellence, he continued his postgraduate studies at STANKIN, completing them in 1992. Furthering his expertise in economics, Mishustin earned a PhD in Economics from the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics in 2003, followed by a Doctor of Sciences (DSc) in Economics from the Presidential Academy of National Economy and Public Administration in 2010.
Entrepreneurship and Early Career
Mishustin began his professional career shortly after completing his postgraduate studies, initially serving as director of a test laboratory facility. In 1992, he transitioned to the private sector by joining the International Computer Club (ICC), where he played a pivotal role in integrating Russian and Western information technologies. He eventually rose to chairman of the board, showcasing his leadership and expertise in technology-driven administration.
Early Career in State Service (1998–2008)
Mishustin officially entered the public sector in 1998, beginning as an assistant responsible for information systems in tax payment accounting within the State Tax Service of Russia. His technical acumen and administrative skills allowed him to rapidly ascend through the ranks, ultimately becoming Deputy Head of the Service. Following the transformation of the agency into the Ministry of Taxes and Duties, he served as Deputy Minister until 2004.
During this period, Mishustin also oversaw several critical state agencies. From 2004 to 2006, he headed the Federal Agency for Real Estate Cadastre, spearheading the development of a comprehensive cadastral assessment system that enabled property valuations based on cadastral data and introduced a land tax linked to cadastral value. From 2006 to 2008, he led the Federal Agency for the Management of Special Economic Zones, a role emphasizing economic innovation and strategic development within designated regions.
Return to Private Sector (2008–2010)
In 2008, Mishustin temporarily left government service to assume the role of President of UFG Asset Management, a major investment fund in Russia. This period allowed him to gain valuable experience in financial management and private sector investment strategies, further enhancing his credentials before returning to public office.
Director of the Federal Taxation Service (2010–2020)
In 2010, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin appointed Mishustin as Director of the Federal Taxation Service. During his tenure, he became known as a technocratic reformer, spearheading the digital modernization of Russia’s tax system.
Mishustin introduced advanced systems for monitoring economic activity, requiring real-time reporting of transactions and the use of online cash registers, significantly reducing tax evasion. Under his leadership, the notorious “VAT gap” — the difference between expected and actual value-added tax collection — fell dramatically from 20% to less than 1%. While some critics viewed his measures as strict on businesses, they were widely praised for enhancing efficiency, transparency, and overall tax collection.
Appointment as Prime Minister of Russia
On 15 January 2020, following a Presidential Address by Vladimir Putin outlining constitutional amendments designed to redistribute political power, Dmitry Medvedev and his cabinet resigned, paving the way for a new government. Mishustin was nominated as Prime Minister and confirmed by the State Duma on 16 January 2020, securing 383 votes in favor — an unprecedented confirmation with no votes against.
Following Vladimir Putin’s 2024 inauguration, Mishustin and his cabinet resigned on 7 May 2024, as per constitutional tradition, only to be re-nominated and re-confirmed by the State Duma on 10 May 2024, ensuring continuity of governance.
Cabinet Leadership
First Cabinet (2020–2024)
Mishustin’s first cabinet, presented on 21 January 2020, included members from Medvedev’s previous administration, though he introduced a few key personnel changes, particularly appointing trusted colleagues from the Federal Tax Service. This demonstrated the significant latitude he was granted to shape his administration.
Second Cabinet (2024–present)
Following the 2024 reappointment, Mishustin’s cabinet largely retained its previous structure, with minor restructuring. Notably, the Minister of Industry and Trade was separated from the Deputy Prime Minister role, and Andrey Belousov replaced Sergey Shoygu as Defense Minister, reflecting adjustments in strategic priorities. The Federation Council approved these nominations on 14 May 2024.
Key Initiatives as Prime Minister
Federal Budget and Digital Economy
Mishustin has emphasized fiscal discipline, aligning the federal budget for 2020–2022 with President Putin’s directives. He also championed the digital economy, proposing the creation of a comprehensive electronic income database to track earnings for all Russian citizens — a move aimed at increasing transparency and streamlining taxation.
Domestic Travels and Regional Oversight
From February 2020 onward, Mishustin embarked on extensive regional visits across Russia to evaluate local living conditions and identify development needs. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, he visited regions such as Novgorod, Kurgan, Yaroslavl, and Kostroma, and after the easing of restrictions in July 2020, he resumed his travels, including trips to Tatarstan, demonstrating a hands-on approach to regional governance.
Legacy and Reputation
Mikhail Mishustin is widely recognized for his technocratic expertise, emphasis on digital modernization, and pragmatic administrative style. His rapid ascent from a specialist in tax systems to head of government reflects a career marked by innovation, efficiency, and adaptability in both public and private sectors. His governance approach — combining digital oversight, fiscal prudence, and regional engagement — has earned him recognition as one of Russia’s most capable technocratic leaders of the modern era.
COVID-19 Pandemic Response
When the COVID-19 pandemic began to emerge in early 2020, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin acted with remarkable promptness and decisiveness. In January 2020, anticipating the potential threat of the virus, he established an operational headquarters dedicated to pandemic prevention and coordination, signaling the government’s commitment to proactive measures. Early steps included closing Russia’s borders with China, the initial epicenter of the outbreak, followed by restrictions on travelers from other countries, including Belarus, in an effort to curb the virus’s spread.
Understanding the economic consequences of the pandemic, Mishustin introduced a series of measures to support Russian businesses. These included tax deferrals for travel agencies, airlines, and small enterprises, alongside mechanisms to control prices on essential goods to prevent shortages and inflation during the early months of the pandemic.
As the virus intensified, by late March 2020, stricter public health measures were implemented. These included quarantine restrictions, the cancellation of vacations, and the temporary suspension of restaurant operations. Moscow, the epicenter of many infections, entered a citywide lockdown, and Mishustin proposed fines for individuals and organizations violating quarantine regulations, demonstrating a firm approach to public safety.
In a personal turn of events, Mishustin contracted COVID-19 himself on 30 April 2020, making him the highest-ranking Russian official at the time to test positive. During his quarantine, Deputy Prime Minister Andrey Belousov assumed the role of acting Prime Minister. Mishustin’s recovery allowed him to resume his official duties in mid-May 2020, underscoring both the personal and national challenges posed by the pandemic.
Economic Recovery and Strategic Initiatives
Recognizing the profound impact of the pandemic on Russia’s economy, Mishustin unveiled a comprehensive national economic recovery plan on 1 June 2020. This ambitious plan aimed to stimulate sustainable economic growth, reduce unemployment to below 5%, and achieve a minimum GDP growth rate of 2.5% annually by the end of 2021.
Promoting the IT Sector
Mishustin has been a vocal advocate for Russia’s information technology sector, recognizing its strategic importance in modern economic development. In June 2020, he introduced a tax reform initiative for IT companies, designed to reduce the tax burden and create a more competitive environment. This policy included a reduction in corporate income tax from 20% to 3% and a lowering of insurance contributions from 14% to 7.6%. Supported by President Putin, Mishustin highlighted these reforms at an IT conference in Tatarstan in July 2020, emphasizing the need for Russia to become a global leader in digital technology and minimize dependence on foreign software and hardware.
Infrastructure Development
Mishustin has also prioritized large-scale transport infrastructure projects to modernize Russia’s connectivity.
Moscow–Kazan Highway: During a visit to Tatarstan in July 2020, Mishustin inaugurated the construction of the Moscow–Kazan highway, a critical segment of the Europe–Western China transport corridor. Under his guidance, the project timeline was accelerated, targeting completion by 2024, three years ahead of the original schedule. He also pledged additional funding and directed the government to explore an extension of the highway to Yekaterinburg by 2030.
Moscow–Saint Petersburg High-Speed Railway: In July 2024, Mishustin announced a concession agreement for the high-speed railway connecting Moscow and Saint Petersburg, significantly enhancing passenger and freight transport between Russia’s two largest cities.
Expansion of Domestic Air Travel: At the Russian Transport Forum in November 2024, Mishustin unveiled plans to increase the frequency of domestic flights by 1.5 times over six years, coupled with a modernization of over one-third of Russian airports, to support the anticipated rise in air traffic.
Administrative and Government Reform
Mishustin has also pursued administrative reforms aimed at streamlining the federal government.
Government Optimization (November 2020): Mishustin introduced a plan to reduce bureaucracy by eliminating vacant civil service positions, standardizing federal structures, and transforming state unitary enterprises into joint-stock companies, laying the groundwork for partial privatization.
Centralization of Development Institutions: On 23 November 2020, he announced measures to optimize state institutions involved in innovation and economic development, consolidating key functions under VEB.RF, Russia’s major state investment bank, to increase operational efficiency and strategic focus.
Migration Policy
In October 2023, Mishustin addressed migration policy, emphasizing the importance of controlled migration flows for national security. He proposed the creation of an electronic registry of migrant workers and their employers, which would allow authorities to monitor legal compliance, streamline identification, and reduce illegal migration and associated criminal activities.
Environmental and Climate Policies
Mishustin’s government has also prioritized environmental protection and sustainable development.
Nature and Resource Protection: In 2021, Mishustin emphasized reducing harmful emissions, closing landfills, transitioning public transport to alternative fuels, and implementing modern waste recycling infrastructure, all within a circular economy framework.
Environmental Development Program (2022–2030): In February 2022, he approved a long-term climate and environmental program, focusing on high-tech solutions for climate monitoring, adaptation strategies, and greenhouse gas reduction.
Climate Conference and Carbon Neutrality: In November 2024, Mishustin attended the UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, reporting that Russia had halved greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels and committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2060. This plan focuses on energy efficiency, electric transport, modern agricultural practices, and low-emission energy sources, of which 85% are already clean or low-emission, including natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy.
Foreign Policy and International Engagement
Mishustin has actively pursued strengthened international relations, particularly in the context of geopolitical and economic challenges.
Relations with China:
During a visit to Beijing in May 2023, Mishustin met with President Xi Jinping, describing bilateral relations as at an “unprecedented high level”, reflecting deepening economic, technological, and strategic cooperation amid global pressures.
Regional Organizations: In April 2024, he stressed the importance of maintaining and enhancing Russia’s role in regional organizations such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, highlighting collaboration with strategic partners in response to ongoing Western sanctions.
Ukraine Conflict: Although Mishustin manages economic and administrative functions, reports suggest he had limited involvement in the strategic decision-making of the invasion of Ukraine, attempting to distance himself from direct military engagement. Nevertheless, his government has faced international scrutiny for policies implemented during the conflict.
International Sanctions: Mishustin is currently subject to personal sanctions from the United States, Canada, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and New Zealand, restricting his assets abroad and travel due to his role in the Russian government during the Ukraine crisis.
Personal Life and Interests
Mishustin is married with three sons and maintains a variety of personal interests. He is an avid ice hockey player and enjoys music, particularly playing the piano. Interestingly, he has also contributed to Russian pop music, including compositions for singer Grigory Leps.
His public battle with COVID-19 in April 2020, when he became the first high-ranking Russian official to contract the virus, drew significant media attention and underscored the pandemic’s reach even into the highest levels of government.
Wealth and Assets
Mishustin and his family own substantial real estate holdings valued at $48.2 million in the Moscow area, including properties owned by his father, wife, two sons, and sister. His financial affairs have attracted scrutiny, particularly regarding his wife’s reported income of nearly 800 million rubles ($10 million) over nine years. These assets were transferred to his wife in 2010, when he re-entered civil service, to ensure compliance with ethical and legal regulations.
Awards and Recognition
Mishustin has received numerous domestic and international honors:
Russian Awards: Order of Honour (2012), Presidential Certificate of Honour (2013), and the Order “For Merit to the Fatherland” (2015).
International Recognition: Gold Medal of Honour of the City of Athens (2021).
Ecclesiastical Honors: Patriarchal Badge of the Temple Builder (2017) and Order of the Venerable Seraphim of Sarov III degree (2019).
Ranks: He holds the rank of Acting State Advisor to the Russian Federation, 1st class, awarded on 5 December 2010.
References
- (No date) Mikhail Mishustin - the Russian government. Available at: http://premier.gov.ru/en/events/ (Accessed: 14 January 2025).
- Ap (2024) Putin reappoints mishustin as Russia’s prime minister, The Hindu. Available at: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/putin-reappoints-mishustin-as-russias-prime-minister/article68160442.ece (Accessed: 14 January 2025).
- Biography (no date) Правительство России официальный сайт. Available at: http://government.ru/en/gov/persons/151/biography/ (Accessed: 14 January 2025).
- Mikhail Mishustin (2024) Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mikhail_Mishustin (Accessed: 14 January 2025).
- Vladimir Putin reappoints Mikhail Mishustin as Russian pm: Who is he? (2024) The Indian Express. Available at: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/russia-pm-mikhail-mishustin-putin-9320643/ (Accessed: 14 January 2025).
