Putin Criticizes Officials For Poor Performance

Russian President Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin has harshly criticized the performance of government officials ahead of an appearance by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev at the State Duma, or lower house of parliament.

A video of Putin's scathing comments on April 16 appeared on the website Lifenews.ru.

Putin told several cabinet ministers, along with housing and construction officials, that their efforts to provide better housing and social conditions amounted to "nothing."

Putin said the officials needed to recognize their performance was ineffective and “if you are working poorly, then you should go.”

Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on April 17 that Putin's criticisms were aimed at governors, not the cabinet.

Medvedev was reported to not be at the April 16 meeting with Putin.

The prime minister is being questioned on April 17 by Duma deputies about the government's performance.