The Making of Molotov’s Sovnarkom

Abstract

The consolidation of the Stalinist position which involved changes, especially in the economic commissariats, took place before Rykov’s, formal dismissal. A preliminary was the replacement of Rudzutak as People’s Commissar for Transport on 11 June,¹ even before Ordzhonikidze noted serious defects in the work of the commissariat at the XVI Party Congress.² This change was not necessarily a mark of personal censure: the decree relieving Rudzutak of his responsibilities as commissar stated that it was because of ‘overwork’ as Sovnarkom vice-chairman, a position which he retained. This left a prominent Stalinist free for more important duties in Sovnarkom. Rudzutak was succeeded by M. L. Rukhimovich at NarkomPut’. Born in 1889, Rukhimovich was an Old Bolshevik who had suffered exile as early as 1906 and been an emigré for two years before 1917. He had served in the army between 1914 and 1917 and after the Bolshevik coup held a variety of government appointments.³ Initially, at least, he acquitted himself well, for when the commissariat was divided early in 1931 and the People’s Commissariat of Water Transport created,⁴ Rukhimovich retained his position, N. M. Yanson being appointed to the new commissariat.⁵