The Russian parliament has confirmed Vladimir Putin as prime minister, one day after Dmitri Medvedev was inaugurated as the country's president.

Vladimir Putin addresses the State Duma, with president Medvedev, background left, 08 May 2008

In a speech to parliament Thursday, Mr. Putin said his priority will be rebuilding the economy by reducing inflation. He also pledged to cut taxes on the oil industry.

On Wednesday, Mr. Medvedev pledged to focus on Russia's economic woes and promised to protect civil liberties.

In Washington, U.S. National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley said the White House expects current Russian foreign policy to continue. The White House says President George Bush looks forward to working with President Medvedev, and hopes for the same kind of frank relationship he had with Mr. Putin.

Some Russian political analysts say making Mr. Putin prime minister assures he will remain a powerful figure in Russian politics. They say he will act as a co-president instead of a prime minister

Mr. Medvedev was elected by a landslide in March in an election the Russian opposition claims was controlled by the Kremlin. One protester in central Moscow Wednesday told VOA he questioned whether Mr. Medvedev has the true support of the Russian people.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP and Reuters.