Oktober 21, 2010

Moscow Duma approves Sobyanin on post of Moscow mayor

Sergei Sobyanin

MOSCOW, October 21 (KATAKAMI / Itar-Tass) — Deputies to the Moscow Duma vested Sergei Sobyanin with the powers of Moscow mayor on Thursday.

Thirty two out of 35 members of the Moscow Duma (32 from United Russia and three from the Communist Party) voted for the approval of his candidature; 34 MPs attended the meeting.

Under the law, a minimum of 50 per cent of votes is needed for being approved on the post of mayor, i.e. no less than 18. The MPs voted by secret ballot.

Sobyanin has been vested with the powers of Moscow mayor for a period of five years.