Source: New York Times, Wall Street Journal                          Date: 29 September, 2011

The rotation of Russia's executive offices appears to be a waltz, where each partner changes position in time and ends where each began.Russian President Dmitri A. Medvedev will step down as to reclaim his position as Prime Minister to allow Vladmir Putin's return to the presidency. Putin served as president from 2000 to 2008, stepping down in accordance to the constitution which prohibits more than two consecutive terms. The decision ends speculation whether Putin would allow a change in power. The decision will undoubtedly have a large impact on Mongolia as Putin plans to address issues on its export of its natural resources.“We must speak openly about the dependence of our economy on raw materials, about the dangerous level of social inequality, violence, corruption, about the feeling of injustice and vulnerability that people feel when they are dealing with government bodies, courts, and law enforcement,” said Putin.Amongst other plan, Putin said Russia must address its economic dependence on raw materials.He will likely face a shortage of oil production and a realization of the projection that consumer goods imports will exceed that of oil. Oil prices continue to climb and will likely reach USD 116 per barrel next year.The absence of Alexi Kudrin, Russia's finance minister, will likely effect greater woe in investors since they are wary of Putin in office. Kudrin has the reputation of a fiscal hawk and strong proponent for economic reform. His role to public finances, which are sensitive to changes in the oil sector, is also of great importance. His dismissal also does not speak well of the direction Russia's economy will likely take.