State Duma approves Khusnullin as deputy Russian PM

MOSCOW. May 13 (Interfax) - The State Duma approved Marat Khusnullin as Russian deputy prime minister on Monday.

"There was a very tough situation when Marat Shakirzyanovich [Khusnullin] came to work as deputy prime minister," but now Khusnullin is "quite effectively" leading the construction industry "further towards results" thanks to the legislative field formed in collaboration with the government, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said at the meeting.

"We have achieved large volumes. This needs to be recognized. Because this person cares and is doing his best to resolve tasks, to achieve the end result," Volodin said.

At the same time, "it seems that we have more meters, but the cost of housing is increasing; we can't stop working here because the key task now is to make housing affordable, and our voters are demanding this," he said. This issue will be under the State Duma's control, he said.

The candidate also answered questions from Duma members. The provisions of Khusnullin's programs are in line with the goals and objectives of the Russian government outlined in the presidential address, Sergei Pakhomov, chairman of the State Duma Construction and Utilities Committee, said when summing up the discussion.