Russia's ruling party has unanimously approved the candidacy of a little-known tax chief as the new prime minister following the shock resignation of Dmitri Medvedev’s government, it was reported today.
The government quit hours after President Vladimir Putin proposed sweeping constitutional changes that could prolong his stay in power.
Mr Putin picked Mikhail Mishustin as premier after Mr Medvedev and his cabinet stepped down “to help facilitate the changes”.
United Russia has now unanimously approved Mr Mishustin’s candidacy ahead of a formal parliamentary vote, an aide to parliament’s speaker said on social media.
The Duma, the lower house of parliament, was expected to vote on Mr Mishustin’s candidacy later today. United Russia has a majority in the house.
Mr Putin, 67, is due to step down in 2024 when a fourth term of office ends but there is speculation he could seek a new role or hold on to power behind the scenes.
He put forward his reform plans in his annual state of the nation address to lawmakers.
