Valentina Matviyenko becomes speaker of Federation Council

Ex-Governor of Saint-Petersburg Valentina Matviyenko has been elected as Speaker of the Federation Council, RIA Novosti reports.

This is the first time in history that a woman takes the position. Matviyenko will be replacing Sergey Mironov, who had been at power for about 10 years. Mirinov was dismissed on May 18.

Matviyenko was delegated by Governor of Saint-Petersburg Georgy Poltavchenko. Vice-Speaker of the Federation Council Alexander Torshin wished her success on the new position.