Dagestan names Magomed Ramazanov acting head of government

Magomed Ramazanov has been appointed acting head of the government of Russia’s Dagestan republic, according to a statement published on the Telegram channel of the regional administration.

The appointment was formalised by a decree signed by acting regional head Fyodor Shchukin. Prior to taking the post, Ramazanov served as deputy presidential envoy to the North Caucasus Federal District.

The administration said Dagestan’s government would continue working in its current composition until a new cabinet is formed.

The appointment follows recent leadership changes in the republic. On April 30, Russian President Vladimir Putin told members of Dagestan’s People’s Assembly that regional head Sergei Melikov was concluding his tenure.

Melikov had led Dagestan since October 2020. Before becoming regional head, he represented Dagestan in Russia’s Federation Council and served as first deputy director of the National Guard.

Shchukin, who is now serving as acting head of the republic, was appointed chairman of Dagestan’s Supreme Court in 2024. He also joined Russia’s Council of Judges that year and oversaw disciplinary matters within the judiciary.

Following severe flooding in Dagestan in spring 2026, Shchukin introduced a special operating regime for courts in affected areas and instructed officials to accelerate the review of compensation cases.

On May 4, he stepped down early from his position at the Supreme Court and was appointed acting head of Dagestan later the same day.

By Tamilla Hasanova