Vladimir Putin shifted several of his most powerful former presidential officials to the Russian government on Monday, bolstering the view that he will remain the centre of national power as prime minister.

The cabinet line-up comes days after the inauguration of Dmitry Medvedev as president, and confirmation of Mr Putin as premier – when he delivered an ambitious speech to parliament that many people likened to his previous state-of-the-nation addresses.

The shake-up also sees some Medvedev allies take key posts and many ministers keeping their positions, signalling a high level of continuity of policy. ... Read full article