MOSCOW. Dec 31 (Interfax-AVN) - A new interior minister may be appointed in Russia within two months.
Boris Gryzlov, the previous interior minister, resigned from his post after he was elected to the State Duma. His resignation was finalized by a presidential decree issued on Monday.
In accordance with Interior Ministry regulations, the interior minister's duties are currently being fulfilled by the first deputy minister, Colonel General Rashid Nurgaliyev, the ministry's administration told Interfax. A new interior minister has to be appointed within two months of his predecessor's resignation.
There are several candidates for the position, including Nurgaliyev, Vladimir Vasilyev (Duma deputy), Viktor Cherkasov (member of the State Committee for Combating Drug Trafficking, Gosnarkokontrol) and Sergei Shadrin (deputy interior minister), experts have told Interfax.
"The main issue is whether the president will decide to appoint a politician or a professional," an expert said.
Meanwhile, sources in the ministry have told Interfax that a decision has already been made and the name of the new interior minister will be announced in early January.