Public spat sees Russian governmentminister quit

Russia’s finance minister, Alexei Kudrin, resigned last night in an unusually bitter and public conflict with president Dmitry Medvedev that exposed deep cracks in unity over Vladimir Putin’s plan to return to the Kremlin.

Mr Medvedev surprised and humiliated Mr Kudrin early yesterday by demanding he quit at a meeting with local officials after the long-serving minister, long a Putin ally, said on Sunday he would not work under Mr Medvedev if he swaps places with Mr Putin to become prime minister next year.

“Such statements appear improper … and can in no way be justified. Nobody has revoked discipline and subordination,” Mr Medvedev said in the Volga city of Dimitrovgrad, looking down from a stage on Mr Kudrin who was sitting in the audience.

“If, Alexei Leonidovich, you disagree with the course of the president, there is only one course of action and you know it: to resign…Naturally, it’s necessary to answer here and now: Will you write a resignation letter?”

“Yes, it is indeed true that I have disagreements with you. I will take a decision on your proposal after consulting with the prime minister [Putin],” he responded.

Mr Kudrin resigned his post hours later.