The President of Russia fires Anatoly Filatov, CEO of RAO Norilsk Nickel. MFK’s President Alexander Khloponin is appointed as the new CEO. He heads the transition process to prepare Norilsk Nickel, weighed down by billions in foreign debtsand months of salary arrears, for restructuring. Vladimir Potanin becomes the first Deputy Prime Minister of Russia in charge of the economy. His responsibilities include finding the solution for the non-payment issue, negotiating with international credit organizations, and compiling a transparent roster of licensed banks; he also launches a program to streamline the alcoholic beverage industry.