Russian lawmakers approved Mikhail Mishustin as prime minister on May 10, hours after President Vladimir Putin nominated him for reappointment. Of the 432 deputies present in the State Duma, 375 cast ballots in favor of Mishustin, while 57 abstained. The vote was seen as a formality as the Kremlin is firmly in control of both houses of parliament. Mishustin was first appointed premier in January 2020. Putin officially started his fifth term as president on May 7. The government resigned after his inauguration, in line with procedure. Mishustin has one week to present a new government. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Russian Service, click here.
