Putin confirmed as Russia’s new PM

From: CNN

MOSCOW, Russia (CNN) — Russia’s lower house of parliament confirmed former President Vladimir Putin as prime minister Thursday, beginning a new era in Russian politics a day after his chosen successor took over the top role.

Power bloc: Vladimir Putin, left, was nominated for PM by his successor as president, Dmitry Medvedev, right.

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The Duma approved Putin by a vote of 392 to 56.

New President Dmitry Medvedev had nominated Putin to the post of prime minister just hours after taking the oath of office Wednesday in a ceremony at the Kremlin.

“For me it’s clear that the government can only be strong and effective if it can fully rely on the legislative power,” Putin told the house.

“Based on those principles, I intend to build my relationship with the state Duma. I expect that you will take the same attitude and the same approach.”

Putin’s confirmation is the last piece of the puzzle to fall into place in Russia’s new political scene.

Putin, who spent the past eight years as Russian president, could be taking a great deal of power with him to the premiership.

He and Medvedev, Putin’s ally and protege, have said they will rule jointly from their respective offices.

During his time in office, Putin created a network of loyal officials on every level of government — all appointed, not elected. Putin indicated that tight control could continue.

“We need coherent work of all branches of the government,” he told the Duma. “The closest partnership is in the interest of all citizens of our country and successful national development.”

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