Vladimir Putin was overwhelmingly confirmed as Russia's new prime minister Thursday, a day after his hand-picked predecessor Dmitry Medvedev was sworn in as the country's new president.

Putin's nomination, approved by Russia's lawmakers by a vote of 392-56, was never in doubt, as his United Russia party holds more than two-thirds of the State Duma's seats. Putin was prevented by the country's constitution from seeking a third consecutive term for president.

Medvedev had nominated Putin to the post after he was sworn in Wednesday.

On Thursday, he suggested that Putin, who now holds the second most politically powerful position in Russia, would have a strong influence on policy.

He said Putin had been involved in setting goals for the country's development through 2020 and "as Cabinet chairman will play a key role in their realization."

Medvedev praised Putin for recharging Russia's economy and for making Russia "respected once again." Critics have charged that Medvedev will be nothing more than a figurehead and that Putin will wield the real power. But Medvedev has rejected suggestions he will be Prime Minister Putin's junior.

"It is the president who sets out the main directions of domestic and foreign policy," he told Britain's Financial Times in March.

"He's the commander in chief, he makes key decisions on forming the executive. He's the guarantor of rights and freedoms of Russian citizens."

With files from the Associated Press