By Oleg Shchedrov and Michael Stott

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Vladimir Putin, taking over as Russia's prime minister a day after leaving the Kremlin, pledged on Thursday to curb inflation, cut taxes and boost social spending to make Russia a top world economic power.

Putin said in a speech to parliament presenting his candidacy that he wanted "single-digit inflation within a few years" as part of a long-term plan to make the country a global economic leader by 2020.

Legislators voted 392-56 to confirm him as premier, with the opposing votes coming from the Communists.

His appearance marked the latest stage of a carefully choreographed transition of power to his chosen successor Dmitry Medvedev, who became president on Wednesday.

Medvedev earlier presented Putin's candidacy, saying in brief remarks that his mentor would play a "key role" in shaping the country's development over the next 12 years.

"All these years we worked with him and continue to work together and I think no one has any doubts that our tandem will only get stronger," the new president said.