MOSCOW—Russian lawmakers approved President Vladimir Putin’s proposed candidate as prime minister, the latest step in a tightly choreographed transition that could set the stage for Mr. Putin to retain a grip on power after his term ends. Thursday’s vote came a day after Mr. Putin proposed sweeping constitutional changes and his longtime ally, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, resigned, along with his cabinet. The shuffle signals Mr. Putin’s desire to turn around Russia’s sluggish economy and cement his legacy before he is...

Source: Wall Street Journal January 16, 2020 12:16 UTC