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MOSCOW – Russia's lower house of parliament confirmed President Vladimir Putin's choice as prime minister on Friday, 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 Zubkov, whose surprise nomination stunned Russians and deepened the uncertainty surrounding 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.
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