Russia's Putin confirms Medvedev to be PM next year
By REUTERS
MOSCOW - Vladimir Putin confirmed on Thursday that he intends to appoint Dmitry Medvedev as prime minister following a March presidential election that is expected to return Putin to Russia's highest office."United Russia got a majority" in a December 4 parliamentary election in which Medvedev, now president, led the ruling party's ticket, Putin told reporters after a televised call-in show."That is an unconditional victory, although with losses. I think that Dmitry Anatolyevich (Medvedev) can form a government and work effectively," he said.Putin, now prime minister, revealed in September that he planned to run for president and make Medvedev his prime minister, but he had hinted the plan might change if United Russia did badly in the parliamentary vote.
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