The Prime Minister's niece will also become head of the government.
Russians may soon have a female Prime Minister Putin, though not of the Russian Federation, but of the youth government of St Petersburg. She is not only the Russian Prime Minister's namesake, but also Vladimir Putin's niece. MK has contacted Vera Putina, and asked her about the plans of the youth government of St Petersburg, and whether she has ever sought the advice of her famous uncle.
The youth government was first discussed at the founding meeting of the Youth Council of St Petersburg, which was headed by Dmitry Gryzlov, the son of the State Duma Speaker. Without wasting any time, an ad hoc group was set up to draw up the regulations on the youth parliament and government. The younger Gryzlov was tentatively appointed its speaker and Vera Putina, the chief editor of Rossiya Yedinaya magazine, is likely to become the Prime Minister. The youth government is thus a reproduction of Russia in miniature.
Q: Vera, what will you be doing?
A: This is a difficult period economically, so we need to unite our efforts to overcome our problems. The youth parliament in St Petersburg will help the City Duma to draft legislation on youth affairs. Perhaps we can help the Russian Government by coming up with good ideas. In general, our job is serious. Formerly, it was easier for young people to fulfil their potential, because there were organisations such as the Young Communist League. Today we intend to create clubs and help young people and new families. These are our plans.
Q: You recently became a member of United Russia reserve, and now you are going to be the head of the youth government. Does your relation to Vladimir Putin help your career growth?
A: I have been in journalism and PR business for a long time, ever since my second year of university. I have considerable experience, so family connections are not relevant. I am very proud of my family, but I am my own person. The project coordinator for St Petersburg has asked me to take part in the selection of personnel reserve. I am glad that I have been asked. I was supposed to take part in it earlier, but I couldn't make it because I had too little time.
Q: Do you seek your uncle's advice?
A: I don't think I should burden him with my questions and divert him from important affairs of the state.
Background
The Russian Prime Minister does not have brothers or sisters, only cousins. His two brothers born in the 1930s died at a young age long before Vladimir Putin was born. However, Vladimir Putin's father had three brothers, Mikhail, Alexei and Alexander, and two sisters, Anna and Lyudmila. The best known of the Prime Minister's living family members, apart from wife and children, is Igor Putin, who is chairman of the board of directors of the Samara Reservoir Plant, and who also dabbles in politics. He is Vladimir Putin's cousin. Igor is Vera Putin's uncle, so she is the Russian Prime Minister's niece.