Russian President Vladimir Putin's choice for new prime minister, Viktor Zubkov, was overwhelmingly approved in a Friday vote by Russia's lower house of parliament, a live broadcast on state-run TV showed. Zubkov was tapped for the position by Putin last week -- less than six months ahead of a presidential handover slated for next March.Deputies in the lower house of parliament, or Duma, confirmed Zubkov with a landslide 381 votes in favor and a meager 47 against, with eight abstentions.
Speaking to parliament ahead of the vote, Zubkov said he was in favor of continuing Putin's current political course, but said reshuffling the government might improve its efficiency.
In his speech Zubkov also said he agreed with the previous cabinet's strategy, but that it was poorly implemented.
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