Russian parliament approves Putin's PM nomination
Moscow, Sept. 14(AP): The Lower House of Parliament confirmed Viktor Zubkov as Russia's new Prime Minister on Friday, two days after his surprise nomination by President Vladimir Putin.
Zubkov, seen as a Putin loyalist, pledged to implement the president's policies to ensure stability and economic growth. The previously little-known Zubkov also hinted some unpopular ministers could be fired.
Lawmakers voted 381-47 to approve Zubkov for the post, with eight legislators abstaining. The confirmation had been a foregone conclusion in the 450-seat State Duma _ which is dominated by the Kremlin-controlled United Russia party and other Putin allies.
Zubkov's nomination on Wednesday to replace dismissed Premier Mikhail Fradkov, however, sparked political intrigue just six months before the March presidential vote.
Putin, who is barred from seeking a third term as president, had been expected to replace Fradkov with a more prominent figure _ most likely former Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov _ who would then have been tapped to run as Putin's chosen successor.
Zubkov, a 65-year-old former state farm director who ran Russia's anti-money-laundering agency for six years, added to the speculation Thursday by saying he would not rule out a presidential bid himself, suggesting he should be considered a potential successor.
Putin apparently intended to show the country, particularly Kremlin factions jockeying for position before the election, that he is no lame duck and will continue calling the shots.
Zubkov's remarks before the vote echoed that message: He underscored his loyalty to Putin, saying his priorities were those of the President.
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