Viktor Zubkov was confirmed Friday as Russia's new prime minister after presenting his government's programme to members of parliament in the lower house, or Duma, according to DPA. Confirmation of the relatively little-known Zubkov - who was put forward as a surprise candidate on Wednesday by President Vladimir Putin - was approved by 381 of the 450 MPs, Interfax said. Zubkov, who also announced a reshuffled cabinet, succeeds Mikhail Fradkov, who Wednesday tendered his resignation to leave the way clear for a change of government. Before Friday's confirmation, Zubkov told the Duma his top priorities were to guarantee stable economic and social development, and bolster the national defence industry.
