Analysts note change in Kadyrov's position in his dispute with Mishustin

The broadcast on air of the "Grozny" ChGTRK (Chechen State TV and Radio Company) of reports about the free transit of motor vehicles across Chechnya demonstrates a change in Ramzan Kadyrov's position in his public dispute with the Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, the experts interviewed by the "Caucasian Knot" believe.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on April 5, strict quarantine measures were introduced in Chechnya due to coronavirus spread. The entry of people and vehicles into the republic is restricted.

Recently, a series of stories about the free transit across the territory of Chechnya has been broadcasted on air of the "Grozny ChGTRK". Thus, the report of April 15 said that "645 vehicles had transited the territory of the Chechen Republic." It is also noted that 220 cars drove into the republic; and "there were no drivers' complaints."

The broadcasting of stories about the free motor transit indicates the demonstrative loyalty of the Chechen leadership to the Kremlin's demands, Yuri Efimov, a conflict expert and Professor at the Stavropol State University, believes.

"This loyalty is caused either by perception of his excessively tough position, or by a correction from the Kremlin," Mr Efimov told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

The reports by the ChGTRK about the free transit of goods across the republic indicate the desire of the Chechen leadership to avoid escalating conflict with Premier Mishustin, said Sergey Zhavoronkov, an expert at the Gaidar Institute for Economic Policy.

"The prime minister, especially the one who is President Vladimir Putin's trustee, is a big figure; and Kadyrov needs no direct conflict with him," Mr Zhavoronkov told the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

This article was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on April 16, 2020 at 11:55 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.