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Russian Duma Confirms Medvedev For New Term As PM


Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in the State Duma on April 11.
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev in the State Duma on April 11.

Russia’s State Duma approved PrIme Minister Dmitry Medvedev for another term at the post on May 8, a day after President Vladimir Putin nominated him to continue as prime minister.

A total of 374 lawmakers backed Medvedev's candidacy while 56 voted against.

The State Duma is dominated by the Putin-backed United Russia party, of which Medvedev is the chairman.

Putin, who was sworn in to a new six-year term as president on May 7, submitted the nomination to the lower house of parliament just hours after his formal inauguration.

The State Duma is dominated by Putin’s United Russia party and Medvedev is the party chairman.

Under Russia’s constitution, the government is obliged to resign when a new presidential term begins.

The prime minister is the No. 2 official in the Russian hierarchy, holding responsibility for the economy and answering to the president.

The 52-year-old Medvedev was steered into the presidency in 2008 by Putin, who had reached his constitutional limit of two consecutive terms.

Putin then switched places with Medvedev in 2012, returning to the presidency while his loyal ally became prime minister.

Medvedev was Putin's chief of staff from 2003 to 2005 and first deputy prime minister from 2005 to 2008.

With reporting by Reuters, AP, TASS, and Interfax

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