9 May 2012

Medvedev approved as Russia's PM

10:10 pm on 9 May 2012

The Russian parliament has approved former president Dmitry Medvedev as the country's new prime minister.

The appointment on Tuesday comes a day after former prime minister Vladimir Putin returned to the presidency, following an election tainted by claims of voting irregularity.

The job swap between the two men has angered opponents, who say it shows how power in Russia is held within a tight circle.