News Exercise #317

1. What is the new Prime Minister’s background, and how much support does he have?
2. How could Putin retain some control over the government after he steps down?
3. What are the opinions of the Russian people?

Answers:
1. What is the new Prime Minister’s background, and how much support does he have?
He was the country’s chief tax man. He got absolute support, with not one vote going against him.
2. How could Putin retain some control over the government after he steps down?
He will be able to influence the government through the beefed-up powers of the state council.
3. What are the opinions of the Russian people?
Some hope things will change, and support Putin in this plan. Some speak of “smoke and mirrors” meaning it is a trick to just look like changes are being made, and think it is a way for Putin to secure his political future as supreme leader.