Fradkov takes over just before presidential elections

Mr Fradkov, a little-known political figure, was named on Monday as Mr Putin's choice to replace the sacked Mikhail Kasyanov.

The sacking of Mr Kasyanov was seen as another step in the purge of Yeltsin-era officials.

The move came ahead of 14 March presidential elections which Mr Putin is expected to win by a landslide.

The nomination of the former envoy to the EU took Russia by surprise.

Mr Fradkov was still in Brussels when news of his candidacy was announced, and had not been seen as a likely candidate for the job.

Liberal deputy

He has named liberal economist Alexander Zhukov as number two in his government. Analysts say Mr Zhukov is widely respected in Russian financial circles for his pro-reform stance.

Mr Fradkov has been portrayed in the Russian media as a man likely to toe the presidential line on policy issues.

The new prime minister served as trade minister and head of the tax police in the 1990s, and became Russia's representative at the European Union last year.

Mr Putin has said his unexpected decision to sack the entire government last week had been motivated by the desire not to waste time over a new government, and to expedite urgent administrative reforms.