Moscow: Russian lawmakers are set to quickly approve the appointment of a new prime minister on Thursday, a day after President Vladimir Putin kicked off an unexpected reshuffle of his inner circle that could keep him in power well past the end of his term in 2024. Mikhail Mishustin, the chief of Russia's tax service, met with lawmakers from various factions in the State Duma ahead of the confirmation vote in the Kremlin-controlled lower house. Mishustin vowed to focus on social issues and improve living standards.

"We have all the necessary resources to fulfil the goals set by the president. The president wants the Cabinet to spearhead economic growth and help create new jobs. Raising real incomes is a priority for the government," he said. Mishustin would succeed Dmitry Medvedev, a Putin associate who was Russia's prime minister for eight years. Medvedev resigned hours after Putin proposed sweeping changes to the constitution.