Putin’s harsh questions leave cabinet bewildered

11 Jun, 2009 15:28 / Updated 15 years ago

Russia’s Prime Minister Vladimir Putin opened Thursday’s government session with a vicious tongue-lashing against his own cabinet.

“What good did you do to the Russian people this week?” the Prime Minister asked first thing after taking his place at the chairman’s seat.

Not getting an answer, Putin continued his rant: “Why are you silent? Are you even working? What are you getting your money for?”

After another brief pause he continued the session addressing the issues on the agenda.

This vicious attack comes less than a week after Putin’s virtually arm-twisting billionaire Oleg Deripaska and authorities of the town of Pikalevo into signing a contract.