"It's unacceptable when certain colleagues of mine, including those in the government, say that Russia will emerge from the crisis only in 50 years," Medvedev said in comments carried by state news agencies.

'Find a job elsewhere'

"If you think so, go and find a job elsewhere."

This was an apparent reference to Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin's statement last month that Russia faced a prolonged recession and was unlikely to see a return of favourable economic conditions "for the next 10, 20 or maybe even 50 years".

Medvedev, speaking to a group of businessmen, suggested that such critics should "hold their tongues" and work harder.

"If a person heads this or that ministry and thinks we are in such bad shape, this shows he is not doing what he is supposed to do," the president said.

While popular with investors and close to powerful Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, Kudrin faces growing discontent over the government's handling of the crisis. Kudrin has resisted pressure to increase state spending, while the government has provided billions of dollars to help bail out Russia's richest businessmen.

Kudrin has held the finance minister's job since 2000.

Putin excused Kudrin's comments in April by saying he was under a great deal of stress.

- AP