Putin named as Russia's prime minister
Vladimir Putin will remain a strong presence in Russian politics
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Thursday, 08, May 2008 12:34
Former Russian president Vladimir Putin has been confirmed as the country's new prime minister today.
The appointment follows the transfer of the presidential role to Dmitry Medvedev in a lavish ceremony at the Kremlin yesterday.
Mr Medvedev nominated Mr Putin shortly after taking over as Russia's head of state in a move widely expected by all in the country.
His protégé is unlikely to wield the same level of power as his predecessor, as commentators say Mr Putin is expected to maintain his power by enhancing the prime minister’s office.
Russia's constitution bars any president from three terms in office in succession, but there is no convention – as in the US – that presidents cannot return to office at a later date.
As a result, many expect Mr Putin's appointment today will be merely an interim period of joint rule, rather than the transfer of power Mr Medvedev might have preferred.
And Mr Putin wasted little time in continuing to set the political agenda, announcing higher wages for members of Russia's nuclear and air defence forces.
"We must admit: the existing system of financial allowances ... does not let us honourably pay those carrying out their military duties in the most responsible jobs," Mr Putin said in a speech to parliament after his nomination today.
The new prime minister announced that Russia had received more than 300 types of new weapons since 2001, the Reuters news agency reports.
"But this is not enough. In the future, support for the army and navy will remain our indisputable priority," Mr Putin added.