Kudrin's exit 'big blow' for Russian economy

MOSCOW - The resignation of Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin, a figure trusted by Western investors during his more than 10 years on the job, is a huge blow to Russia's economy at a critical time, the media said on Tuesday.

Kudrin resigned late on Monday in a public confrontation with President Dmitry Medvedev after he became the highest-profile official to break ranks with the plan for Medvedev to swap jobs with current Prime Minister Vladimir Putin in 2012.

"Kudrin's resignation will be a big blow for the Russian economy - experts are already forecasting a new wave of capital flight, a fall in the rouble rate and inflation growth," the daily Vedomosti said.