Prime minister candidate and ex-president Dmitry Medvedev is meeting with the Communist Party as part of traditional consultations with parliament factions before his expected appointment.
The lower house, the State Duma, will consider Medvedev’s candidacy upon presentation by newly inaugurated President Vladimir Putin at 3 pm Moscow time on Tuesday.
Putin submitted Medvedev’s candidacy for the post to the Duma shortly after his inauguration on May 7.
Ivan Melnikov, first deputy chairman of the Communist Party’s central committee, said the party considered the consultations with Medvedev as an opportunity to discuss the socioeconomic and political issues.
Communist leader Gennady Zyuganov said earlier that the faction would “not support any candidacy that will stick to the old policy.”
On Monday afternoon, Medvedev met with the ruling United Russia faction and the Liberal-Democratic Party (LDPR). Their leaders pledged support for his ambition to become premier.
To be approved to the post, Medvedev will have to gain the majority of votes in the 450-seat chamber, which is at least 226 votes. United Russia, which earlier proposed Medvedev as its leader, holds 238 seats.
After consultations with the Communists, Medvedev will meet with members of the left-wing A Just Russia party.
