Putin backs Fradkov as Russia’s PM
Russia’s president Vladimir Putin has surprised analysts by appointing Mikhail Fradkov as prime minister.
Mr Fradkov was a foreign trade official during the Soviet era, a former tax police chief, and a Russian representative to the EU.
Pundits suggest the promotion of the little known Fradkov, will help draw voter interest back to the popular Mr Putin.
Others suggest Mr Fradkov’s nomination is a “stopgap” measure, a mere intermediary until the presidential elections are done and dusted.
Six days ago, Mr Putin dismissed prime minister Mikhail Kasyanov and his entire cabinet ahead of this month’s presidential election.
Though the nomination has to be approved by the Duma, probably on Friday, a rebellion is unlikely as Mr Putin’s United Russia holds more than 300 seats in the 450-member chamber.
Mr Putin said the ideal candidate ought to a “highly professional and orderly person” with vast experience in public life.
Finance minister Alexei Kudrin, acting defence minister Sergei Ivanov, Kremlin chief of staff Dmitry Medvedev and deputies Dmitry Kozak and Igor Shuvalov were also tipped to land the job.
Mr Putin also named deputy prime minister Viktor Khristenko as the interim premier.
Except Mr Kasyanov, the ministers dismissed last week will remain in their posts until a new cabinet is formed.
