'Not Everything Works Out': Medvedev's Career, in Photos
Russia’s Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev announced his and his cabinet's resignation on Wednesday just hours after President Vladimir Putin delivered his state of the nation speech.
The resignation of longtime Putin ally Medvedev, 54, came as an unexpected move to many. It is widely seen as a move that will give Putin room to reshape Russia's political structure before he is required to leave the presidency in 2024.
During his time as both prime minister and president of Russia, Medvedev’s reputation stemmed not just from his work as a government official. Medvedev has been the subject of his fair share of memes — as well as the subject of a high-profile corruption investigation that rocked the country.
As Medvedev resigned, Putin thanked him for what he had achieved, adding: "Not everything worked out of course — but then, nothing ever works out totally." The newly resigned prime minister will now serve as deputy head of Russia's Security Council, which Putin chairs.
Here's a look back at the most memorable moments of Medvedev’s presidency and premiership:
The resignation of longtime Putin ally Medvedev, 54, came as an unexpected move to many. It is widely seen as a move that will give Putin room to reshape Russia's political structure before he is required to leave the presidency in 2024.
During his time as both prime minister and president of Russia, Medvedev’s reputation stemmed not just from his work as a government official. Medvedev has been the subject of his fair share of memes — as well as the subject of a high-profile corruption investigation that rocked the country.
As Medvedev resigned, Putin thanked him for what he had achieved, adding: "Not everything worked out of course — but then, nothing ever works out totally." The newly resigned prime minister will now serve as deputy head of Russia's Security Council, which Putin chairs.
Here's a look back at the most memorable moments of Medvedev’s presidency and premiership:
Medvedev was elected the third president of Russia in 2008. In 2011, he stepped aside after one term to allow Putin to become president again.
In this photo, outgoing president Putin and Medvedev wave to the crowd during a concert marking the outcome of the 2008 presidential election.
In this photo, outgoing president Putin and Medvedev wave to the crowd during a concert marking the outcome of the 2008 presidential election.
Vladimir Rodionov / TASS
Even politicians have passions (apart from their jobs, of course). For Medvedev, it's photography.
Alexander Ryumin / TASS
Russia's ex-prime minister is also not shy when it comes to selfies.
Dmitry Medvedev / Instagram
Medvedev became a meme with “There is no money, but hang in there” — a phrase he said to disgruntled Crimean pensioners at a 2016 meet-and-greet. The remark would become a rallying cry during Russia's 2017 wave of anti-corruption protests.
Screenshot Youtube
Experts say that Medvedev's tenure as prime minister will be remembered more for stability than economic growth.
premier.gov.ru
"Don't Call Him a Demon": In 2017, Alexei Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation (FBK) released a viral video investigation accusing Medvedev of channeling bribes through non-profit organizations linked to close friends. The investigation sparked a massive corruption scandal and nationwide protests.
Screenshot Navalny
Medvedev will likely also be remembered for Russia's widely unpopular law that raised the country's pension age.
premier.gov.ru
Medvedev watches the Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, February 2014.
premier.gov.ru
President Putin and Prime Minister Medvedev hold a joint training session and breakfast in Sochi, August 2015.
Kremlin.ru
We all need a break sometimes. In September 2016, Medvedev got some rest and relaxation on Lake Ilmen in the Novgorod region, eating fish soup with Putin and local fishermen.
premier.gov.ru
Medvedev visits the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha in Bangkok, Thailand, April 2015.
premier.gov.ru
When you try your best but you don't succeed. Medvedev joins hands with other world leaders at the ASEAN Summit opening ceremony in the Philippines, November 2017.
Andrew Harnik / AP / TASS
In March 2017, Medvedev and Putin visited Franz Josef Land to assess environmental clean-up works in Russia's Arctic.
premier.gov.ru
Would Medvedev write "Успехов!" or "To success!" on his time as prime minister?
premier.gov.ru
