Russian President Mr Vladimir Putin today named an experienced trade official and one-time head of the feared tax police as his candidate for prime minister in a move that surprised analysts.
Mr Putin applauded Mr Fradkov (53), a former chief tax policeman, as having "strong experience in fighting corruption" and said the choice of candidate had not been easy.
Mr Putin's parliamentary allies, who hold a commanding majority in the State Duma (lower house), immediately said they would support Fradkov's nomination at a session on March 5th, making his appointment a certainty.
Mr Fradkov's name had not been among those bandied around in the fevered speculation over who Mr Putin might choose to replace Mr Mikhail Kasyanov, who was sacked last week.
In the end, he opted for someone who is not seen as really belonging to either of the main power blocs in the Kremlin - the economic reformers and the hardliners who favour more state control.
Mr Putin sacked the Mr Kasyanov government on February 24th in a move that demonstrated his political confidence ahead of the March 14th presidential election in which he is certain to win a second term in the Kremlin.