Russia's new culture minister Olga Lyubimova faces scrutiny over past anti-arts blog posts

Following a government reshuffle that resulted in Mikhail Mishustin being appointed as Prime Minister last week, Olga Lyubimova has been named Russia's new culture minister. Her appointment is particularly striking given her previous criticisms of cultural institutions, highlighted in a 2008 blog post where she remarked, "I simply can't stand going to exhibitions, museums, opera," and confessed to a lack of appreciation for arthouse films. The authenticity of the blog has not been verified by the Russian government. Some members of the arts community, such as literary critic Galina Yuzefovich and film critic Anton Dolin, have expressed support for her new role. Lyubimova takes over from Vladimir Medinsky, who will serve as a presidential aide for culture and has faced criticism for promoting imitation culture.