Putin Signs Decree to Appoint Medvedev as Russia’s Prime Minister

MOSCOW- Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to appoint Dmitry Medvedev as Russia’s prime minister, the Kremlin’s press-service said.

The decree was signed in less than one hour after the State Duma agreed to the appointment of Dmitry Medvedev as head of the Cabinet. At the State Duma’s session Putin presented Medvedev’s candidature personally.

 Putin praises ‘professional and honest’ work of Medvedev’s Cabinet

President Vladimir Putin has commended the government led by Dmitry Medvedev, which stepped down on May 7, for good work in a difficult period without seeking short-term political effects.

“Despite all the difficulties, the government was able to solve not only extraordinary and urgent tasks, but at the same time see and preserve the prospects for development, constantly increase these capabilities aimed at mid-term and long-term perspectives. I believe that’s very important,” the head of state said at a plenary meeting of Russia’s State Duma, where the issue of giving consent to Medvedev’s appointment as prime minister is discussed.

According to Putin, “this large-scale comprehensive work was done thoroughly, professionally and honestly, without seeking some short-term political effects, responsibly and for a long-term period.”

The president recalled that he nominated Medvedev for the prime minister on May 7 and submitted the nomination to the State Duma. “Of course, there is no need to introduce Dmitry Anatolyevich, who led the country’s government for the past six years,” the head of state said.

He noted that those years were very difficult. “Russia and the entire world faced new challenge, the situation was changing dynamically. For our country, that was really tough, even dramatic, as it seemed at times,” Putin said. The head of state mentioned Medvedev’s recent government performance review in the State Duma. “I want to note the most important thing. All that has been accomplished in recent years creates a solid basis for moving forward, for addressing the key historical challenges that were mentioned in the address [to the Federal Assembly] and at the presidential inauguration ceremony.”

TASS

R.S