MOSCOW, May 8 (Xinhua) -- Russia's new President
Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree Thursday to appoint Vladimir Putin as prime
minister, hours after Russia's lower house of parliament, the State Duma,
approved Putin's nomination.
The house's extraordinary plenary session began at
noon Thursday with Putin's speech. In the speech he said his new government will
focus on economic and social issues.
Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev (R)
and former president Vladimir Putin (L) stand after the ceremony of
inauguration in Moscow's Kremlin throne room May 7, 2008. Medvedev was
sworn in as Russian president on Wednesday and just over two hours later
nominated his predecessor Putin as prime minister, ushering in an
unprecedented period of dual rule.(Xinhua/reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>
Putin promised to cut Russia's growing inflation rate
to single digit in the years to come, and lower tax burden, calling it "a
significant incentive in creating a favorable business climate in this country."
He also unveiled plans to increase the tariff and
price of energy such as gas, oil and electricity and promote innovation for the
economic development of the oil-and-gas-rich country.
The new government head vowed to allocate more funds
and encourage private investment in such social projects as education,
healthcare and housing in a bid to uplift the people's living standards.
Another top priority for Putin's government is
providing support for the Army and the Navy. "More than 300 new models of
military hardware have been put into service since 2001. This is not little, but
not sufficient," Putin said.
Lawmakers voted 392-56 for Putin's appointment. He
was backed by three of the four Duma factions, namely the United Russia, the
Just Russia and the Liberal Democratic Party. Only the Communists opposed.
In his concluding remarks after the vote, Putin
expressed gratitude to lawmakers for their decision, describing it "not only
another manifestation of trust but also support for our strategic programs."
"It is precisely the well-being of an individual,
creating conditions for worthy life of people that will be the government's
main, decisive task," Putin said.
He reiterated his hope that the legislative power
will interact with the federal government in the regime of cooperation and
mutual support.
Putin will have a week to submit to the president the
composition of the new government, as well as candidates for the posts of deputy
prime ministers and federal ministers.
The president and prime minister will work in tandem
under constitution, starting a new period in the history of modern Russia and an
economic renaissance, analysts say.
Medvedev nominated Putin to be prime minister just
hours after his inauguration ceremony on Wednesday. Putin first took the post of
prime minister on August 16, 1999, a post he held for nine months before being
elected president.
MOSCOW, May 8 (Xinhua) -- Russia's lower house of
parliament, the State Duma, approved Vladimir Putin as prime minister on
Thursday.
Lawmakers voted 392-56 for Putin's appointment. He was
backed by three of the four Duma factions, namely the United Russia, the Just
Russia and the Liberal Democratic Party. Only the Communists
opposed. Full story
MOSCOW, May 8 (Xinhua) -- Vladimir Putin, the
candidate for prime minister, said on Thursday that the amount of new military
hardware put into service in the Russian Armed Forces are not sufficient. Full story
MOSCOW, May 8
(Xinhua) -- The Russian government will cut Russia's growing inflation rate to
single digit in the years to come, Vladimir Putin, the candidate for prime
minister, said on Thursday. Full story
