Putin backs proposed Russian government reshuffle

Russian President Vladimir Putin backed Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin’s proposed government reshuffle after September’s parliamentary election, as the country faces a rising budget deficit, higher taxes and elevated interest rates. The proposed changes include Finance Minister Anton Siluanov taking on a deputy prime minister role, Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin becoming a deputy prime minister overseeing transport development, and aviation agency chief Dmitry Yadrov succeeding him as transport minister; the appointments require parliamentary approval.