Vladimir Putin, who was Russia's President only two days ago, returns as the prime minister as the State Duma, the Parliament of Russia, approved Putin in a 392056 vote for the position. Russia's new President, Dmitry Medvedev, who was inaugurated on May 7, told lawmakers that Putin had restored the world’s respect for Russia and improved the lives of its citizens.
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Medvedev later signed a decree making Putin prime minister.
It goes without saying that Putin’s quick move from No. 1 post to No. 2 position will keep him politically prominent for the future. In addition, Putin may return to presidency after Medvedev’s term in the office expires.
The switch comes after months of political maneuvering by the popular Putin to maintain a role in ruling Russia after stepping down. Barred by term limits from running in the March presidential vote, he anointed Medvedev as his favored successor in December and pledged to serve as his prime minister.
Medvedev formally nominated Putin in one of his first acts as president Wednesday. His confirmation was never in doubt in the Duma, the lower parliament house, where his United Russia party holds 315 of the 450 seats and two of the other three parties also support him.
Presenting his nominee to a rare full house at the Duma on Thursday, Medvedev said lawmakers' applause "means that Vladimir Vladimirovich needs no special recommendation" and credited his mentor with recharging Russia's economy and raising its global stature.
"Russia is respected once again," Medvedev said.
Medvedev suggested Putin would have a strong influence on Russian policy for years to come. He said Putin had been involved in setting goals for the country's development through 2020 and "as Cabinet chairman will play a key role in their realization."
Russia 's president is the undisputed head of state and sets policy on all fronts, while the prime minister heads the Cabinet and is responsible for running the economy. But Putin is expected to have strong influence on Medvedev, who at 42 is 13 years younger and owes his political ascent to his mentor.
Putin's prime ministers, particularly during his second term, served largely as enforcers and fall guys, sometimes shouldering blame for problems and sometimes passing it down the line to Cabinet ministers. Putin, meanwhile, remained above the fray and any hint of criticism on state-run television was taboo.
Putin is expected to play a far stronger role as prime minister. He will also control the Duma and wield power nationwide as chairman of United Russia, a position he assumed last month after leading the party to a sweeping victory in December parliamentary elections.
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