Shortly before the President’s arrival, the members of the Federation Council accepted the resignation of Yegor Stroyev as Chairman of the Council and elected Sergei Mironov to replace him. At Sergei Mironov’s suggestion, Yegor Stroyev was elected Honorary Chairman of the Federation Council.
Mr Putin congratulated the new Speaker of the Upper House of Parliament and thanked his predecessor for his work. He announced that he had signed a decree to decorate Yegor Stroyev with the order For Services to the Homeland, 1st Class.
Mr Putin said the new procedure of forming the Upper House of Parliament was a key element in strengthening the state and improving the whole system of government.
In the interval between the Federation Council sessions Mr Putin held a separate meeting with Yegor Stroyev and Sergei Mironov.