Mikhail Mishustin occupies one of the most powerful positions in global politics as Russia’s prime minister, a role he has held since January 2020 and secured again following his reappointment in May 2024.
The son of a Jewish father from Polotsk, Mishustin has risen to become Russian President Vladimir Putin’s most trusted administrator and problem-solver.
Before entering the highest echelons of the Russian government, Mishustin spent a decade revolutionizing the country’s tax system, earning a reputation for digital innovation and bureaucratic efficiency. His transformation of Russia’s Federal Tax Service from a corrupt, paper-based operation into a digital system showcased the administrative acumen that would later define his premiership.
Managing a challenged economy
As prime minister, Mishustin oversees Russia’s domestic policy apparatus while managing the country’s economic challenges amid international sanctions. His portfolio ranges from healthcare and agriculture to small business support and industrial modernization. Recent assignments include resolving capacity issues at Rostselmash, Russia’s largest farm machinery manufacturer, demonstrating his role as the government’s chief troubleshooter.
Mishustin rarely addresses his Jewish heritage publicly, careful to navigate the difficulties of identity in a country where antisemitism has remained a concern. Yet his sustained influence at the apex of Russian power represents a remarkable achievement in any context.
His leadership style emphasizes results over rhetoric, solving problems through methodical analysis rather than political theatrics. While Putin handles foreign policy and military matters, Mishustin manages the machinery of governance that keeps Russia functioning.
In an era defined by political turbulence, Mishustin exemplifies the power of competent administration. His ability to maintain economic stability and governmental functionality during unprecedented global pressures has made him indispensable to Russia’s leadership structure, positioning him among the most influential figures in contemporary Jewish leadership worldwide.
No. 17: Danny Danon, Yechiel Leiter, Marc Stanley, Charles Kushner >>