Putin takes another step in Russia's power dance
Russia formally voted Vladimir Putin as prime minister today leaving the country wondering just who is really in charge.
His appointment came in a carefully planned handover of power a day after he passed on the presidency to his protege Dmitry Medvedev.
The State Duma approved Putin in a 392-56 vote after Mr Medvedev told it that Mr Putin had restored the world’s respect for Russia and improved the lives of its citizens in eight years as president.
Mr Medvedev said he would sign a decree making Mr Putin prime minister later.
Mr Putin’s unprecedented move from the Kremlin to the number two post will keep him politically prominent for the foreseeable future and could serve as a springboard back to the presidency.
The switch comes after months of political manoeuvring by Mr Putin to maintain a role in ruling Russia after stepping down. Barred by term limits from running in the March presidential vote, he anointed Mr Medvedev as his favoured successor in December and pledged to serve as his prime minister.
Mr Medvedev formally nominated Putin in one of his first acts as president yesterday. His confirmation was never in doubt in the Duma, the lower parliament house, where his United Russia party holds 315 of the 450 seats.
Presenting his nominee to a rare full house at the Duma today, Mr Medvedev said: “Russia is respected once again.”
He suggested Mr Putin would have a strong influence on Russian policy for years to come.
