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MOSCOW – Russia has become a great power thanks to the people’s selflessness and patriotism, in conditions of swift changes in the world, it is ready for independent and robust development in the interests of future generations, President Vladimir Putin said yesterday during his inauguration ceremony.
He stressed that the country’s top priorities are to ensure sustainable population growth, preserve the country’s civilisational traditions, and continue development in partnership with the countries of the global majority.
The ceremony was held at the Grand Kremlin Palace, after the 71-year-old leader took a short car ride to the location from his workplace. The current protocol was first used in 1996, when Boris Yeltsin assumed his second term in office.
The oath to serve the nation and its people is taken while placing one hand on a special copy of the constitution used during inaugurations. The document used on Tuesday was updated to reflect amendments adopted in 2020 and the inclusion of four former Ukrainian regions which voted in referendums in 2022 to join Russia.
Russian citizens in the latest elections “confirmed the correctness of the country’s course,” which is “of great importance now, that we are facing serious tests,” said Mr Putin
“I will do whatever it takes, whatever I can, to live up to your trust. I will use all powers of the head of state, enshrined in the Constitution, to that extent.”
“The results of this work will depend, to a decisive degree, on our unity and solidarity, on the joint aspiration to benefit the homeland, to protect it, to work at full capacity.”
“I want to heartily thank Russian citizens in all regions of our country, the residents of our historical lands who defended the right to be together with the motherland.”
Lawmakers from both chambers of the nation’s parliament and justices of the Constitutional Court were present. Following the oath, Chief Justice Valery Zorkin confirmed Putin’s fifth presidency, which will last for six years.
Mr Putin’s previous inaugurations took place in 2000, 2004, 2012, and 2018. This year stands out, as a number of Western nations and the EU chose to boycott the event. Their governments claim that this year’s presidential election in Russia, which Mr Putin won with a record 87.28 percent of the vote, was not free and fair.
Russia’s relations with the West are at one of their worst points in history. Moscow has accused the US and its allies of waging a proxy war against Russia. Sanctions, diplomatic pressure, and supplies of military aid to Ukraine are meant to contain Russia’s development, its leadership has said. — Agencies
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