Finance Minister Anton Siluanov revealed that a government list comprising about 30 enterprises with significant state participation is being examined for potential privatization. He shared these details during an interview on the Russian TV network Russia 24, outlining the government’s ongoing assessment of strategic assets and the possible moves ahead.
Siluanov explained that the list targets banks where the state holds a controlling stake. He was careful to note that the list does not include Sberbank, where the state currently owns slightly more than 50 percent of the Shares, and adjustments to that stake were not proposed during these talks. The focus is on other financial institutions where public ownership remains substantial but not at the level of a majority across the board.
According to the minister, several other banks with heavy state participation have been included on the privatization roster, reflecting a broader strategic review of state-owned financial infrastructure. In related remarks, Sberbank’s president German Gref previously suggested that as much as a quarter of the bank’s shares could eventually be privatized. He argued that such a move would boost market liquidity and create new fiscal space that could be allocated to infrastructure and development projects, balancing public investment with private sector participation.
Siluanov noted that the government submitted this privatization list in early December, a preliminary step that requires further discussion and consensus among policy makers. The process remains in its formative stages, with officials weighing national economic goals, market conditions, and the potential impact on employment and regional development before any concrete decisions are made.
Earlier statements from Russian officials indicated a cautious approach toward privatizing large, strategically important companies. The discussions reflect a deliberate effort to harmonize revenue generation, capital allocation, and long-term economic objectives while preserving critical sectors under state oversight where necessary. The ultimate outcome will depend on a careful balance of fiscal prudence, market signals, and broader economic priorities across the country.