Putin’s new term officially under way

VLADIMIR Putin began his fifth term as Russian leader at a glittering Kremlin inauguration yesterday. Already in office for nearly a quarter- century and the longestserving Kremlin leader since Josef Stalin, the president’s new term does not expire until 2030, when he will be constitutionally eligible to run again.

At the ceremony inside the gilded Grand Kremlin Palace, Putin placed his hand on the Russian Constitution and vowed to defend as a crowd of hand- picked dignitaries looked on.

Since succeeding President Boris Yeltsin in the waning hours of 1999, Putin has transformed Russia from a country emerging from economic collapse to a pariah state that threatens global security.

Following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, which has become Europe’s biggest conflict since the Second World War, Russia has been heavily sanctioned by the West and is turning to other regimes like China, Iran and North Korea for support. The question now is what the 71- year- old will do over the course of another six years, both at home and abroad.

Analysts say that now Putin has secured another six years in power, the government could take the unpopular steps of raising taxes to fund the war and pressure more men to join the military.

At the start of a new term, the

Russian government is routinely dissolved so Putin can name a new prime minister and Cabinet.

One key area to watch is the defence ministry. Defence minister Sergei Shoigu came under pressure over his conduct of the war. Some analysts have suggested he could become a victim of the government reshuffle.