MOSCOW: Outgoing Russian President Vladimir Putin may move to prime minister's office on May 8, a day after handing over charge of the top Kremlin job to his chosen successor Dmitry Medvedev.
"The confirmation vote (on PM candidate) will take place at an extraordinary session of the lower house on May 8," Speaker of the State Duma Boris Gryzlov on Tuesday announced.
Gryzlov said that Putin's nomination as the new prime minister will be made on May 7 immediately after President Medvedev, who swept March 2 presidential poll, takes charge. In accordance with the Russian constitution, incumbent Prime Minister Viktor Zubkov will hand over the resignation of his entire cabinet to President Medvedev after he is sworn in on May 7.
Medvedev has the right to appoint his new PM, pending Duma confirmation vote. "We have more than once said that we support Putin as the new PM, so there is no need to waste time and his nomination can be put on vote next day (after Medvedev's inauguration)," Gryzlov underscored.
Gryzlov, also the leader of ruling 'United Russia' party expressed confidence that Putin will bag the support of the house. Prior to the presidential poll in which Medvedev bagged over 70 per cent vote, Putin agreed to become prime minister in the event of his picked successor's victory.
Speaking shortly after his election in an interview with the Financial Times, Medvedev said he was convinced his partnership with Putin would prove effective, and would not lead to a power struggle.
Putin in his turn also underscored that although there would be attempts to drive a wedge between him and the Medvedev, but under the constitution both have enough powers to perform their duties.
