Russian Duma confirms Medvedev as Prime Minister

PanARMENIAN.Net - Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev was confirmed as the country’s new prime minister by a majority of votes in the State Duma on Tuesday, May 8.

President Vladimir Putin submitted Medvedev’s candidacy for the post shortly after his inauguration as president on Monday. Medvedev occupied the presidential post in 2008-2012.

United Russia and Liberal Democrats factions, all in all 299 deputies, voted in favor of his candidacy, 144 - Communists and A Just Russia lawmakers - voted against.

Before the vote on Tuesday, Putin introduced Medvedev to the lawmakers as an experienced politician who stood behind crucial reforms in the country.

“In an open dialog with civil society, he began serious reforms aimed to improve productivity of the government apparatus, the law-enforcement and judicial system that could protect people and defend truth and justice,” Putin said.

Following winter protests over the results of parliamentary elections, Medvedev pushed for liberalizing the law on political parties relaxing their registration requirements, and also campaigned for reintroducing direct gubernatorial elections.

Putin also praised the former president for his modernization efforts and passion for technology as well as for projects to promote young talents.

After the complimentary introduction, the candidate prime minister took the floor and outlined an ambitious program for Russia’s further development.

To be approved as prime minister, Medvedev had to collect the majority of votes in the 450-seat Duma, which is at least 226 votes. United Russia, which earlier proposed Medvedev as its leader, holds 238 seats, RIA Novosti reported.