In accordance with the Constitution, the President sent a letter with this nomination to Boris Gryzlov, the speaker of the lower house of parliament.
Mr Medvedev also signed a decree under which the current government will now stand down, though, in accordance with the relevant provisions in the Russian Constitution, the President has instructed the current cabinet to continue carrying out its duties until a new government is formed.
After his appointment is confirmed, the new prime minister has one week to present proposals to the President on the structure of the federal executive authorities and to name candidates for the posts of deputy prime ministers and ministers.