JOIN USMembers of Russia’s ruling United Russia party on Saturday elected Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev its leader at a party congress.
In April, President Vladimir Putin announced he was stepping down from the helm of the party in favour of Medvedev.
Putin presided over United Russia from 2008-2012. Medvedev became a member May 22.
The 13th congress of the party in Moscow brought together 670 delegates and about 1,600 guests. Serbian President-elect Tomislav Nikolic and 30 foreign delegations attended the event.
On the eve of congress, Medvedev proposed sweeping reforms within the party to make its work more efficient and transparent.
After the announcement of his election, Medvedev urged United Russia to retain majority in parliament.
“I don’t think that anyone present here will argue that in five years when the next election to the State Duma is held, United Russia must be at the top again and win the parliamentary majority,” he said.
If the party wins the parliamentary election, State Duma speaker candidates could be selected on competitive basis, Medvedev said.