After giving up Presidency, Putin sworn in as PM

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Thursday , May 08, 2008 at 1657 hrs Russian parliament voted overwhelmingly for Vladimir Putin as 10th Prime Minister of the country, a day after he handed the presidency to his protégé Dmitry Medvedev in a new experiment of sharing power.

In an open electronic voting, 392 members of the 450-strong Duma confirmed appointment of 55-year-old Putin, whose nomination was sent to Duma yesterday by Medvedev immediately after taking the oath of office at a glittering ceremony.

Out of the four parliamentary parties in Duma, 56 communists voted against Putin's appointment. His confirmation in the Parliament was certain as his United Russia party holds 315 seats, over two-thirds of the total strength in the Duma.

Putin, who is barred by the constitution from seeking a third consecutive presidential term, last December named Medvedev, formerly a first Deputy Prime Minister, as his preferred successor. The two have worked together for over 17 years.

Putin has said he sees no problem working with Medvedev on the ground that he shares common views on several challenges facing Russia.

In a wide-ranging address to MPs, Putin set out his priorities as Russia's new Prime Minister.

"We have to increase the efficiency and stability of the national economy and develop human resources. We must also take steps in innovation and infrastructure and provide

maximum conditions for business," Putin said.

President formally has more power than the Prime Minister in Russia, but Putin's move has left common people wondering who will really be in the driver's seat.