Various analysts have been predicting over the fall that the economic crisis would provide the Russian government with an opportunity to gradually take over the crown jewel of mining, Norilsk Nickel.  Today’s appointment of Alexander Voloshin, a Kremlin insider and alleged proxy of the executive, looks like a step in that direction.  This measure is consistent with the trend of increasing state participation in the economy, despite Dmirty Medvedev’s statements to the contrary.

From the Associated Press:

“There are no representatives of the state on the board,” Voloshin said after his appointment, but added that “the successful development of Norilsk Nickel will benefit my dear country.”

Voloshin brings to the post a wealth of government experience and connections. He served as former President Boris Yeltsin’s chief of staff, a job he retained for several years under Yeltsin’s successor, Vladimir Putin. One of his deputies under Putin was Dmitry Medvedev, the current president. (…)