Duma Approves Putin Choice
This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.
MOSCOW (AP) – Russia’s lower house of parliament confirmed President Putin’s choice as prime minister today, approving the previously obscure official Viktor Zubkov in a vote whose result was a foregone conclusion in the Kremlin-controlled chamber.
Lawmakers voted 381-47 to confirm Mr. Zubkov, whose surprise nomination stunned Russians and deepened the uncertainty surrounding Mr. Putin’s expected choice of a favored successor and his plans for the country following the end of his term next spring. Eight legislators abstained.
