Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has officially nominated Vladimir Putin as prime minister by submitting his name to the Parliament’s lower house, the State Duma. Putin has held consultations with the leaders of factions in the Duma.
Putin made it clear that as Prime Minister he will pursue the same policies that he introduced as President, particularly in terms of Russia’s development until 2020. Infrastructure projects, and energy industries were discussed. One of the priorities was wages, especially for budget workers. The leaders of the factions seemed to be satisfied with the results of the talks. United Russia faction leader Boris Gryzlov said they will support Putin who’s the party’s leader. “I can’t talk for the other parties, but I think Putin’s candidacy will get enough votes in support,” Gryzlov noted. That’s likely to happen as United Russia has the majority in the State Duma and two other factions are going to support Putin’s candidacy. Only the Communist Party is going to vote against him. “We intend to vote against because we do not support the liberal development of the country’s economy. We want a strengthening of the state and a different social policy,” Communist leader Gennady Zyuganov said. The Russian Government tendered its resignation immediately after the inauguration of the new president. Outgoing Prime Minister, Viktor Zubkov, signed the order in compliance with the Russian Constitution and Federal Constitutional Law.