Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin gave a comprehensive account of the Cabinet of Ministers’ activities in 2021 during his annual report to the State Duma. As noted on the official State Duma site, Mishustin emphasized that cooperation between the Cabinet and deputies formed the cornerstone of Russia’s swift adaptation to today’s realities.
Mishustin described the current period as the most challenging in three decades of Russian development. Yet he asserted, “Those who attempt to isolate our country from the global economy will not succeed.”
“There is no mood for grand gestures in the government. We understand our tasks and how to fulfill the assignments entrusted to us by the president.”
Impact of the pandemic
Highlighting the pandemic’s effects, Mishustin noted that in two Covid-impacted years the Russian economy outpaced many developed nations. In 2021 the country’s GDP expanded by 4.7%, and September’s unemployment rate stood at a historic low of 4.3%.
Social support
Regional authorities were urged to maintain pre-pandemic levels of medical care for citizens. The prime minister also called on the Duma to speed up the passage of legislation creating a unified federal register of bone marrow donors, stating this measure could save hundreds of lives.
In addition, Mishustin underscored continued social support for families with children. Initiatives include maternity benefits, subsidies for children’s holidays, and the expansion of the maternity capital program.
Separately, the government highlighted social gasification, noting more than 75,000 applications for free expansion of gas networks to the borders of private lands were submitted.
Moreover, the government oversees the provision of free hot meals to primary school students, benefiting about 7.5 million children.
Untouched virgin soil
Mishustin pointed to notable achievements in agriculture and construction. He stated that Russia is self-sufficient in cereals, vegetable oils, fish, and meat, and he added that potatoes, milk, and vegetables are at an impressive 80 percent self-sufficiency.
Over 340 billion rubles had been allocated for agricultural development. The construction sector, mirroring agriculture, shows a high degree of import independence. By 2024 more than 45 billion rubles were earmarked to resettle people from dilapidated housing. Road-building programs were set to receive substantial funding, with 163 billion rubles allocated for main roads by 2025 and an additional 120 billion rubles directed under presidential orders.
Regions will become more independent
In the past year, regional budgets and local revenue bases grew by more than a quarter, signaling greater fiscal autonomy for the regions.
Science is the engine of progress
Mishustin announced that 15 science centers would receive state support as part of a program to create world-class science and education hubs. He stressed that these centers are expected to yield tangible results in strengthening regional innovation potential, particularly in the Russian Far East and the Arctic, and in forming high-tech markets.
The failure of the West’s lightning war
The prime minister argued that Western sanctions could not erase the Russian economy in a matter of days. He asserted that the standard of living in Russia must not depend on foreign policy whims. While he declared openness to constructive dialogue and continued cooperation with foreign companies, he warned that if some firms exit, Russian businesses would persist on their own.
Mishustin outlined priority government actions in recent weeks: first, keeping business operations stable; second, expanding freedom of enterprise within the country; third, protecting the most vulnerable segments of society; fourth, ensuring a steady supply of goods; and fifth, delivering targeted sectoral support measures.
He noted that the Cabinet succeeded in tamping down store demand spikes and consumer panic, though price pressures persist. Mishustin announced plans to index pensions and social payments and to raise the minimum wage and living standards.
Speculators’ fight
“Efforts to monetize common problems will be halted across all sectors. I want to be heard,” Mishustin stated as a closing point. He recalled that in early March the entire trade chain—from producer to retailer—faced an urgent demand for essential goods, with shelves feared to empty and prices rising. He pointed out that law enforcement activated seven criminal cases related to trade violations during the period when speculation surged, and pledged ongoing action against unscrupulous entrepreneurs.
The government is strong
During the report, Mishustin stressed that there is no weakness within the Cabinet. He described the government as a unified, coordinated team. Parliament Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin praised Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin and Agriculture Minister Dmitry Patrushev, and remarked on the evolving norms under the new Constitution, noting that ministers approved by the State Duma would be the best, while acknowledging that some may still need to catch up. Mishustin affirmed that the entire government continues to work smoothly and with clarity.