We told you yesterday about Putin handing Russia over to the newly appointed elected President Dmitry Medvedev. We also told you that President Medvedev nominated Putin for the post of Prime Minister less than two hours after taking office.

As expected, Russia’s parliament rubber stamped voted overwhelmingly to confirm Putin’s nomination for the second most powerful position in Russia.

Less than 26 hours after handing over the Presidency and assuming the role of Prime Minister, Putin gave a 45-minute speech laying out his domestic policy initiatives and other plans.

It remains to be seen whether Putin merely changed the nameplate on his office door and will continue to call the shots in Russia, or if newly appointed President Medvedev will chart his own course.